World Shaking » Courtly Tales of Crystal Tokyohttp://worldshaking.net
Fanfiction and Original FictionSun, 22 Feb 2015 14:32:33 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Sailor Jupiter and the Green Knighthttp://worldshaking.net/sm/sailor-jupiter-and-the-green-knight
http://worldshaking.net/sm/sailor-jupiter-and-the-green-knight#commentsSat, 06 Jul 2013 05:57:17 +0000http://worldshaking.net/?p=366Notes and Disclaimers: The characters of the Senshi and the idea of Crystal Tokyo are the property of Takeuchi Naoko, Kodansha and Toei, all rights reserved.

The character of the Green Knight is the property of all English-speaking peoples, courtesy of a long-forgotten anonymous author. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is, IMHO, the single finest English-language story ever written. If you have not yet read it – hurry and do so. If you have, I hope you will forgive my blatant rip-off of the thing.

If you enjoy this story, please let me know at yuricon@gmail.com, because I really do want to know.

“World Shaking” Fanfic is a proud supporter of Yuricon, a celebration of shoujoai and yuri in anime and manga. And of the Fanfic Revolution, because fanfic doesn’t have to suck.

Sailor Jupiter and the Green Knight

The second of the Courtly Tales of Crystal Tokyo

Another story, you say? About the Senshi and battles with giants and magic? You don’t want much, do you?

Well…maybe I do have story for you after all. Gather around and mind me now. Because this story takes place in a time that is not of this time and a place that is not of this place, in a land full of wonder and beauty and magic. It takes place in Crystal Tokyo.

You remember the story I told you last time? The story of Kuroko, the kitchen girl who turned out to be the powerful Sailor Saturn and how she rescued the Moon Kingdom? Well, this story takes place the very *next* year.

It was Christmas time once again in Crystal Tokyo. Christmas was always a festive time and a blinding one too, when the sun was bright. The Crystal Palace gleamed in the white winter light, and to make it even more beautiful than ever, banners and garlands hung from every surface, flashing and twinkling by sun and moon.

Once again the great ones of Crystal Tokyo were gathered. All the talent and brains and beauty of the city (by which I mean mostly everyone) were poised to gather together and salute their Great Queen at her solstice feast. And the Queen, as always, was greatly looking forward to her party. It was no secret you see, that the Queen loved an adventure. As she had proclaimed the year before, no food would be set before the guests until a tale had been told, or a quest had been proposed – or some enchanted creature had made itself known to the company.

The first year, you may remember, that Neo-Queen Serenity had made this pronouncement the reaction had been one of trepidation – but not this year. This year the whole city waited breathlessly for the magic of the season to bring them a great adventure.

So the day came and the city flowed through the gates of the Palace once again, and the greathearts of the court mingled with the people they protected. This year the Queen had commanded all the Senshi be present; her own daughter and Sailor Saturn gracefully welcomed guests into the dining room. Sailors Uranus and Neptune, who were known to keep to themselves, were there; and there was great wonder at them – for they were not often seen by the people of Crystal Tokyo. But the crowd swirled strongly around the figures of the Inner Senshi – the Queen’s own advisors and protectors. They *were* well known and had many friends and loved ones among the guests. Even the mysterious Sailor Pluto came from her place at the Doors of Time, since the Queen herself had insisted.

Soon, but not soon enough, the time came for the guests to take their seats. Once again the Queen with the King and her Senshi at her side, were seated at the high dais and looked out upon the gathered company.

The Queen sat, and all took their seats. She smiled at the room and many smiled back at her. “I bid you all welcome,” she began in her soft voice, “to Our Christmas party. As you are well aware, last year We made it Our custom to require a tale or miracle…or mystical event, before We will eat.” Her smile brightened. “We have been told that this has added to the popularity of this event somewhat.”

The company chuckled – it was well-known that everyone who could have possibly wangled an invitation that year had done so – and indeed, the hall was filled to bursting point with attentive visitors.

“So,” the Queen continued. “Does anyone have for Us, a tale? A quest? A challenge?” On the last word, the Queen’s voice rang out and almost echoed across the hall. When the sound had faded away there was nothing but a pregnant silence. No one dared breathe, much less move.

The silence lengthened. Not a sound, not as much as a sneeze came from the gathering. And still the silence went on. The Senshi, attentive to the moods of their sovereign, watched the Queen’s face, waiting for a sign of her pleasure – or displeasure. Later it was said that the Senshi, knowing their Queen so well and knowing her sense of humor, were waiting for, as they say, the other boot to drop.

And drop it did. Into the middle of that silence came a loud booming noise. After the echoes had faded, it came again, then a third time. The Queen nodded to the servants at the doors, and they were swung open. It wasn’t until this moment that the company realized that what they had heard was the knocking of a very large fist upon the palace doors.

In a great sigh of released breaths, the guests turned to face the apparition that rode into the dining hall. A giant it was, and all of green, so that clothes and eyes and even its skin glowed emerald. It rode in upon an enormous horse, with mane and tail the same virulent color and great green hooves that clacked loudly upon the floor. The giant held in its huge fist an axe – an axe as large as a person – as easily as a child might lift a pencil. It was clad from head to toe in green armor. The company stared with wide eyes at this creature. People pressed away from the green giant, leaving room for it to ride into the center of the room, and to turn and face the Queen.

As the creature came to a halt in front of the Court, the horse lowered its head, as if in curtsey. The Queen acknowledged this with a nod and a new smile.

“Welcome Guest, to Our home. I take it you have a tale for Us?”

The giant did not answer. Instead, it lifted itself easily from the saddle and dismounted to stand in front of the Queen. Bowing deeply, the creature reached up and removed the helmet that shielded its head. As the helm was removed, the guests were surprised to note that the giant creature had long green hair that fell almost to the ground. And when it spoke, all listeners were enthralled. The creature, armored, with great weapon indeed, was a woman!

“Great Queen,” the giantess’ voice boomed across the hall, “I salute you.” And she did, sweeping her arm and the great axe she held, across her body with an audible “swoop.” “I have come to your court to look upon the renowned Senshi at last with my own eyes.”

Standing at her full height, the Giant was able to look the raised Senshi in the eyes. Her smile, when it came, was pearly green.

“And I see that you are, as I have heard, wise and powerful and the Senshi are strong and brave. So I have come to test that strength and bravery – I have come with a challenge.”

Again the words echoed. This time the tongues of the guests were loosened, and the buzz of whisper and conjecture moved faster than the wind through the crowd.

“A challenge,” Neo-Queen Serenity echoed. “I am glad. I was getting quite hungry.” There was a noise of choked laughter, but none of the Senshi’s faces changed and no one knew from whom it had come.

“I have a simple challenge and one that will not be cause for too much alarm,” the giantess said pleasantly. “I have brought with me an axe, as you see,” here she held up the object high so that everyone in the room could see it – a not difficult task, as it was now almost brushing the ceiling with its eerily glowing patina. “And I challenge one of your Senshi to strike me with it. A single blow, strong and sure enough to remove my head from my shoulders.”

Again the crowd was filled with whispered conversation. A beheading? Before dinner?

“That doesn’t sound like too difficult a challenge,” the Queen commented lightly. “Surely there is some greater task involved?”

“A greater task that removing my head?” the giantess laughed at this. “Yes, there is. For the Senshi that undertakes this challenge will be allowed but one stroke. And one year and day from today, that same Senshi must seek me out and receive in return a single stroke from this same axe.”

Now the crowd no longer whispered, but spoke in outright concern. Would anyone be foolish to accept this challenge? It was surely death!

But the Queen did nothing. Without even turning her head, she spoke to her Senshi. “Which one of you will address this challenge?” And in an instant every Senshi was on her feet shouting that she and no other would be the one to accept the offer. The Queen smiled and turned her head from side to side.

“I think that only one of you is meant for this task.” The Queen’s voice pierced the crowd’s clamor and everyone stood silent.

Sailor Mars spoke sharply. “I am the Queen’s Champion – it falls to me to take up this quest.”

Sailor Uranus spoke firmly. “I am the best fighter. I will do this.”

The Queen shook her head slowly. “Neither to Mars nor to Uranus, I think, will this challenge go.”

Sailor Mercury spoke up. “I believe that this challenge was designed specifically for one of us alone, was it not, Green Knight?”

The giantess nodded somberly as all the Senshi stepped back and took their seats.

Except one.

Sailor Jupiter still stood, and leaning forward, her hands on the table in front of her she said firmly, “This contest is mine – and I accept it.”

Once again the Queen smiled and the Senshi smiled too – all but Sailor Jupiter, whose face remained serious and thoughtful.

“Let’s do this thing, Green Knight, so that you may die your death and I may get my dinner.” And at this, she smiled.

Sailor Jupiter left the high dais, and walked proudly to the floor where giant knight and horse waited. Both stood many feet taller than she – and she was one of the tallest of the Senshi.

The knight regarded her solemnly. “You swear that you will abide by this agreement and seek me out one year and a day from today?”

“I do,” responded Jupiter.

“And you will accept without regard for your own life a single stroke from this axe?”

“I will.”

The giantess nodded and held out the axe. Sailor Jupiter grasped the enormous weapon in both hands. It was plain to all who watched that the Senshi, strong as she was, was hard put to maneuver the immense thing. After a moment or two, Sailor Jupiter got the weight and heft of it, and nodded. “I’m ready.”

The knight bent her knee and lowered herself down until Sailor Jupiter could look her in the eye. “You may wish to stand on something,” she said mildly.

Jupiter nodded. Looking around, she asked that a table be cleared and it was done. Jumping to the table, she nodded once again. The knight kneeled before her, pushed her hair out of the way and waited.

Sailor Jupiter swung the huge axe in a large arc around her head. The humming of the weapon through the air was audible to everyone in the hall. With a grunt of effort and a single swing that took all of her strength, Sailor Jupiter aimed the axe for the giantess’ great, green neck. The axe cut cleanly through and the head rolled to the floor with a thump, followed by the body of the enchanted knight.

People throughout the hall began to scream, but the Queen simply raised her hand. “Watch,” she instructed, and the crowd immediately calmed down.

The great body of the giantess shuddered and lifted itself to its hands and knees. Feeling around gently, it found its own head and dusted it off. With a pronounced effort, it placed its own head firmly onto its own shoulders. Removing its hands, it rolled its head around a little before turning to face a pale and visibly shaking Sailor Jupiter.

“Be at ease, brave Senshi – I live. That was indeed a mighty blow. I will have a headache I fear, for many days.” The giantess stood and plucked her axe lightly from Jupiter’s clenched hands. “Remember your promise – one year and a day from today I will expect you in the Green Grotto. Come and receive your blow, Senshi of Crystal Tokyo!” And with that, the phantasmic creature swung herself up into the saddle and rode out of the hall before anyone could speak another word.

Sailor Jupiter, still a little wan, rejoined her companions at the head table. The Queen stood and commanded that the dinner be served, but it was doubtful that anyone ate much, with all the talking that was going on.

***

Spring came to Crystal Tokyo and the cherry trees flowered, much as they do even now. Then spring passed and summer too, and one day as the Queen looked out onto her beautiful city, she noticed that autumn had come. The weather was still warm, but the leaves were beginning to change and winter would not be long off. There was a knock at the door of her chamber and she called out for the person to come in and join her.

Sailor Jupiter stepped in and bowed. The young woman’s face was serious, but her green eyes twinkled. “It looks like it’s time for me to fulfill my quest,” she said lightly.

The Queen agreed. “I wondered when you would set out. I’ve had some things prepared for you.”

The Senshi gathered to say farewell to their companion. Sailor Jupiter was arrayed with the finest armor and weaponry that Crystal Tokyo had, but she shook her head. “You know I won’t use any of these things. Why are you giving them to me?”

The Queen grinned in a way that only her closest friends might have remembered from her youth. “You need them – it’s part of the story.” Only Sailor Mercury smiled at this, but she remained silent.

Sailor Jupiter looked contemplatively at the golden star on her new cloak and shield and she shrugged. “I’ll come back before spring, I promise.” And with a wave, she sped off to find the mysterious Green Knight.

Sailor Jupiter traveled far and wide searching for the magical green giantess and her grotto. Most had never heard of such a thing, but once in a while, she was given directions towards the west. Always towards the west, and so west she traveled, all the way through autumn until long after the weather turned cold and all the leaves had fallen from the trees.

It was a hard journey and a long one. The land became wild and the people unfriendly. Some, when they heard that a Senshi of Crystal Tokyo was among them, hid in their homes and locked the doors. Others lined the streets of their town, watching closely as Sailor Jupiter passed through, but offering no assistance.

One day, as the sun was setting and the cold dark began to gnaw into Sailor Jupiter’s bones, she became aware of a small house ahead. Light poured from the windows warmly and there was a sense of something welcome and cozy in that place. She could make out a garden that had been well-tended, a path cleared of weeds and a sense of loneliness began to overwhelm her. She knocked on the door hoping that she might find at least a place to stay for the night, but maybe also a companion – someone with whom to share her tale.

The woman who answered the door was old, wrinkled, with a kindly face. She took a long look at the Senshi, then commanded her to come in out of the cold. Jupiter did so with dispatch. The woman welcomed her in, sat her down and before you could say two words, she found herself with warm feet and a full stomach. That the woman did not ask who she was, or where she was going or why, struck Jupiter as odd, but there was no polite way to mention it.

After thanking the old woman, Sailor Jupiter waited until the crone had picked up her knitting and set herself by the fire. “Have you ever heard of the Green Grotto?” she asked, “I have an appointment there and I don’t know where to find it.”

The old lady stared at her with dark eyes flashing. “I won’t ask your business, but I’ve never heard of anything good happening there.”

“So you *have* heard of it?” Jupiter leaned forward eagerly.

“Yes, it’s not far off. But there’s a guardian there – you won’t pass her.”

“The Green Knight!” Jupiter said, jumping to her feet. “That’s who I have business with – where is it? Is it far?”

The old lady shooed Jupiter back into her chair. “It’s not far, you can make it there in less than a day.” She pinned Jupiter with her dark eyes. “But think hard, young lady, before you leave here. Here is warmth and light and food. At the grotto you will find only cold and dark and death.”

Sailor Jupiter sat quietly for a moment, then said, “If that is my destiny, then so be it. I gave my word and I’ll see this though.”

The old lady nodded. “Then sleep here tonight and tomorrow I’ll set you on your road.”

The Senshi slept deeply that night and woke refreshed and happy. Although the adventure ahead seemed dark, she could not stop smiling, and at last, as she helped the old woman prepare breakfast, burst out into a song.

They ate together, and the old lady watched while Jupiter gathered her few possessions and made ready to go.

“Follow the path that goes towards the forest, towards the west. When you reach a fork in the road, take the left path – that will lead you to the Green Grotto,” the old lady said. “The way won’t be easy, no one goes that way. But,” and the lady smiled at Sailor Jupiter, “you’re young, strong and, dare I say, dedicated, it probably won’t stop you.”

Jupiter laughed. “Dedicated? You mean foolish. Well, thank you for everything!” And she took her leave of the old woman.

She was out of sight of the house when she realized that she had forgotten to ask the woman her name; for Jupiter was a kind person, and had determined to send a reward or thanks offering when she returned to Crystal Tokyo. She turned back on her trail and once more came within sight of the cottage. But this time there was no light coming from the windows and the garden looked weedy and over-run. Calling out for the old lady, Jupiter was unable to see any sign of life – or that anyone had inhabited this cottage for a very, very long time. In confusion, Jupiter turned away from the abandoned shack and headed into the forest.

The forest was dense and dark. Strange noises followed Jupiter as she walked. Rustling movements on each side told her that she was being watched. But no enemy dared show itself. Jupiter whistled, hummed, then sang loudly to bolster her confidence, but the sound died in the dank air. At last she came to a fork in the road. The noises that had been soft but persistent now grew louder – calls and cries filled the air and she covered her ears against them. Keeping her eyes fixed on the road ahead, Jupiter took the left way at a run.

As she passed the signpost, which only pointed the way to the right, the noises – all of them – ceased.

The only sound she could hear now was her breathing and the sound of her feet moving through the underbrush. The path was hard to see, overgrown as it was, and Sailor Jupiter had to clear the way with her arms. Bushes and trees tore at her face and clothes, and soon she despaired of her way, for she had completely lost the path. No sun broke through the dense forest and she was beginning to tire. As the thought passed through her mind that she would pause at the first clearing she found, the forest seemed to open up into a wide and sunlit glade.

Sailor Jupiter stood amazed. Soft, warm sun poured onto green grass. Trees flowered and animals moved across the sward, as if she had wandered into a place caught in an eternal springtime. At the top of a small rise she spotted a manor house. The sun gleamed on polished timber and she could hear laughter. Slowly, she approached the house, willing that the enchanter be friendly and not set against her.

The first human that greeted the tired Senshi’s eyes was an incredible sight. A young woman stood in the grass, laughing and singing as if she had no other task for the day. Sailor Jupiter watched in fascination as the woman twirled and danced in the flower-covered meadow.

The young woman stopped when she saw the Senshi watching her and her face immediately turned red. “I’m sorry!” she cried, running to meet the weary visitor, “I didn’t see you there. Welcome to Greenlawn. Please come in and rest yourself.”

Sailor Jupiter introduced herself with a formal bow. “I’m here on official business,” she said by way of explanation, “I won’t be here long.”

But the young woman had taken Jupiter’s hands in her own and pulled her towards the house. “I don’t know what business could have brought you out to my home – it’s hardly on the beaten track.” She laughed joyfully at her own joke. “But you’re very welcome! I rarely have visitors at all, much less so distinguished a one.”

The young woman led Jupiter into the house, and made her feel at home. “There is a bath, and food, and if you will allow me to be presumptuous, a bed you can sleep in.”

Jupiter nodded with thanks. “I’m exceedingly grateful for the bath and the meal, but I have an errand to run, so despite my desire to stay in your beautiful home, I’ll have to leave in the morning.”

“How awful!” the woman said, “and here I thought I might be have some company for a few days.” A look of sudden shame passed over her fair face and she blushed. “In my haste to welcome you, I’ve forgotten to introduce myself – I’m Lii.”

“Makoto then.” And for the first time, Jupiter noticed that her hostess had a slight accent, marking her as a foreigner.

***

The Senshi had made herself comfortable, bathing and changing into clean clothes provided by Lii. As she joined her hostess, Sailor Jupiter jested that she now understood why Lii had been spinning in place when they had met, the clothes felt so soft.

A meal was served and over it, the two women spoke lightly, of general things, music and dance and clothes and parties, as young women will do (even though, as Senshi of Crystal Tokyo, Jupiter was far older than she appeared.)

When the dishes were cleared and both women were again comfortable, Lii at last admitted that she could wait no longer – she *must* know what quest took a Senshi of renown so far away from her home.

“I am looking for the Green Grotto,” Jupiter confessed, somewhat wearily. “I have an appointment in four days with the Green Knight that dwells there – an appointment I may not miss.”

“But that’s right down the hill!” Lii cried happily. “You can remain here and keep me company for the days remaining, and on the fourth morning, I shall see you off myself.”

With great relief, Sailor Jupiter agreed.

The night passed in pleasant conversation, ending in both women wishing each other pleasant dreams.

***

The morning dawned brightly, as indeed, Lii commented, it did most days, and the women met again over breakfast. Jupiter was so happy to not have to journey another day that she offered her assistance with the house, or any chore that might present itself. Lii looked thoughtful at this.

“I can’t think of anything I need from you, except your company,” she said. “And sadly, this morning I have some business away from here. It won’t take long, I’ll be back before the sun starts towards the west.” Her face brightened, “I propose a game! My business can, if you are so inclined, be called hunting. I will give you all that I bring back with me as a gift. While I am away, you have your run of all the grounds – and anything that you gain, you shall give to me!”

Jupiter laughed at that. “I can’t imagine what I could find of interest in your own home, but I’ll agree to the terms.”

Lii clapped her hands in delight. “Then it’s a deal. I’ll return about noon. Please feel free to go where you will.”

Lii left soon after, and Sailor Jupiter decided that it would be only fair to go about and hunt for unusual things, as the terms of the game dictated. She wandered the halls of the beautiful manor, visiting every room in turn, picking up books, looking at the art and generally poking around. As the hours passed, Jupiter found herself on the top floor of the home, in what was obviously being used as a storage room. She swung the door closed behind her, but instead of closing, the door slapped into the slightly warped frame with a loud bang.

Jupiter turned with a start, as another voice cried out in surprise. Jupiter found herself staring at a pair of large green eyes that stared back rather wildly. Jupiter apologized quickly, then expressed surprise that there was anyone else at all in the house.

“Really?” The woman gazed at the Senshi in wonder. “A friend of yours?”

“Yes!” Jupiter laughed. “Does it surprise you that I have friends?”

“No!” the woman blushed deeply. “It’s just that my sister told me that you are from the Palace in Crystal Tokyo, and since you are so powerful and famous…it is somewhat surprising to hear you speak of friends.”

“Your sister?”

“Yes, I’m Ran, Lii’s sister.” The woman turned away quickly.

“Can I offer any assistance?” the Senshi asked. “In return for startling you.”

Ran gestured to a large pile of books. “You can help me carry these. If you don’t mind.”

Jupiter jumped forward to lift the burden into her arms. “I don’t mind at all.” And she smiled into Ran’s eyes. Jupiter noticed, as she now stood less than an arm’s length from Ran, that the other woman, although short-haired, where Lii had long, was otherwise very similar to her sister. They were of a height and of the same build, and their eyes were the same shade of green – as green as the grass in the mead outside. And as the other thanked her, Jupiter heard that their voices too were similar – each with that same small accent.

Jupiter carried her burden, following as Ran led the way to a distant wing of the house. Carefully, Ran unlocked a door and opened it, waving the Senshi in. The rooms were pleasant, airy and bright, she noted, just before a dark object came hurtling out of nowhere and knocked Jupiter and the tomes she held to the floor.

Ran scurried forward with an exclamation and kneeled before the groaning Senshi. “I’m sorry! Are you alright? You’re not injured are you?”

Jupiter stilled her dizziness and looked up at Ran’s concerned face. “I’m fine, but…what was that?”

The other woman blushed yet again. “It was my cat – we must have startled it. But your hand,” Ran exclaimed, picking up the appendage as she spoke. “It’s been cut.”

Jupiter sat on the floor and stared at her own hand. “It’s only a little wound. Nothing to worry about.”

“Let me bandage it for you,” Ran insisted. She hurried away, returning with a cloth, with which she preceded to cover the wound. After it was done, she lingered, holding the hand still.

“Thank you,” Jupiter said graciously, remembering an episode from her own youth that was not dissimilar.

“There’s something missing,” Ran insisted, her face now a dark crimson. “This will help you heal faster,” and she leaned forward and pressed a long kiss onto the back of Jupiter’s hand. The Senshi sat, quite paralyzed with amazement at this act. Ran stood up quickly and began to straighten the books that had spilled across the floor. “You should go,” Ran said. “My sister will be returning shortly.”

Jupiter stood and tried to assist Ran, but the other woman shooed her away with that shy smile. “Go. But if you should happen to be in the garden tomorrow morning, then look for me – I may be there.”

Jupiter left Ran’s apartment and returned to the main part of the house, feeling decidedly bewildered. On the one hand the woman seemed so bashful and quiet, but that kiss…she resolved that it was nothing about which to worry, but the memory made her thoughtful.

Ran was correct – Lii returned not long after. She was smiling and gay and full of laughter as she rant to meet her guest. “Let’s have our meal right away and we shall share our treasures from today’s hunt afterwards.”

And so they did. It was early afternoon when they at last made ready to share their adventures. Lii brought forth, with great fanfare, a large covered basket. From the basket she drew a fragrant posy, all of spring flowers. This she gave to Jupiter with a flourish.

“This is for you, as we promised.” The woman laughed lightly as she handed Jupiter flowers and herbs and wild vegetables of many kinds. Jupiter’s face was alight with wonder as Lii produced from her great basket, well out of season, sweet potatoes and other root vegetables. “And because these are your part of today’s exchange,” Lii smiled, “we shall have them with our dinner! Now, it is your turn – what have you for me?”

Jupiter shook her head. “I think I failed in my side – I have nothing I received today, except…” and here she paused for a moment, “unless it be this.” And she caught up Lii’s hand in her own and pressed her lips firmly to the back.

When Jupiter released the other’s hand, there was a stark silence, but Lii’s laughter filled it a moment later. “I won’t ask you where you found this thing, it would ruin the mystery. Now, let us walk in the sunlight and enjoy the air.”

And so the day passed into night, the two women growing ever more comfortable with the other’s presence. The next morning came, much the same as the one before. Lii once again proclaimed her business would take her away from the house, but that upon her return they would once again exchange what they had won from their labors.

After Lii had left, Jupiter remembered Ran’s words and took herself out to the garden. For hours she wandered the paths, lost in thought and in the beauty of the place. It was in the shade of a large tree that that grew beside the stream that she once again found Ran. The woman rose to her feet with a greeting and held out her hands to welcome the Senshi.

“I am glad that you came” Ran said, and leaned forward, placing two soft kisses, one on each of Jupiter’s cheeks. She bade Jupiter sit with her and together they sat in comfortable silence, dabbling their feet in the water. Jupiter made a few passes at conversation, but by and large was content merely to be in the other’s presence. Indeed, it seemed to her that Ran was as quiet and soothing as Lii was full of energy. Almost as if she had read the Senshi’s thoughts, Ran leapt to her feet.

“I must be going,” she said, “but my sister will be here shortly and you can give her what I have given you.” Her smile was warm, and her green eyes flickered with laughter – almost exactly as Lii’s did. She took her leave and was gone before Jupiter could say another word.

That evening, Lii brought out her basket once again. “Today I bring you great riches!” she said with joy. The basket gave forth of its bounty – apples and pears and best of all, fresh, golden peaches. Jupiter boggled at the fruit, and almost without will of her own insisted that she make a pie for them to share.

“A pie?” Lii clapped her hands, as was her wont. “And so shall it be! But you must turn your treasures over to me.”

Jupiter laughed. “I’m afraid you’ll find my take today poor indeed.” She stood to face Lii, and put her hands on the other woman’s shoulders. A kiss she placed on each of Lii’s cheeks, which were decidedly pinker when the Senshi moved away from her.

“How very interesting a hunt you must have had…” was Lii’s only comment, her voice hushed.

Another evening passed. An observer might have noticed that, from time to time, when the Senshi’s eyes were turned away, Lii turned a hard and penetrating look upon her.

The third morning dawned and Lii commented, somewhat reluctantly, that she would not be home before noon once again. Her leave-taking was somewhat subdued and Sailor Jupiter did not fail to notice.

Today she had no plans, but merely wandered where she would, and finding that she longed to breathe the air of the meadow, went outside to stroll on the lawn. The manor was well named, for the knoll was green and bright and the sun was warm on her back. From where she stood, Sailor Jupiter could see for miles, down the hill on one side to the forest from which she had come, and to the other, a dark and ill-boding wood, with impenetrable foliage. Jupiter shuddered at the sight and turned to leave. It was her turn to be startled this time, as she nearly ran into Ran, who stood close behind her.

Jupiter turned back towards the dark wood and nodded. “I have a promise I must keep.”

Ran sighed. “And I will never see you again.” Her voice was sad, but something in her seemed determined. She sighed again. “In which case…” with a quick movement, Ran embraced Jupiter strongly, pressing her lips against those of the surprised Senshi. “I wish you would not go,” she whispered, and kissed Jupiter more deeply and passionately than the Senshi had ever felt. Her own head became dizzy, her breath shortened and reflexively she felt her arms tighten about the waist of the slight woman. The kiss went on for a long time, before she was released.

Ran stepped back, her face once again flushed, her lips dark and she looked up at the tall Senshi. Her eyes filled with tears. “I can’t persuade you can I? To stay here?”

Sadly Jupiter shook her head.

Ran nodded sadly. “Then at least take this,” she undid from around her waist a belt, woven green and gold threads. “It has a spell of protection within it. Anyone who wears this shall not be killed, even by the sharpest of blades or strongest of blows.” Ran handed over the girdle. “Tell me that you will wear this tomorrow when you face the Green Knight.”

Jupiter looked down at the object. Her vow to the Green Knight coursed through her mind. “I cannot,” she said, at last. “I swore that I would accept this blow without regard for my life.”

Ran took Jupiter’s hand and laid the girdle on her palm. “Not for yourself, but for myself do I ask this. I do not wish you to die.” Tears welled up in the woman’s eyes and Jupiter found her fist closing over the belt.

“I’ll wear it,” the Senshi said, “where no one might see it. If it protects me, then so be it.” And with these words, she felt something akin to relief – for the Green Knight might be strong, but she might yet live to see the sun rise in two days.

Ran again embraced her happily. “I will not see you off. I wish you protection and joy, great Senshi.” The woman dashed the tears from her eyes and sprang away across the lawn as lightly as her sister danced on that same spot.

Jupiter stood a long time staring off after Ran. At last she stirred, and with a quick glance around to see that she was not watched, she slipped the girdle on beneath her clothes and tied it around her waist. Thus protected, she headed back to the house.

Lii arrived home, this time bearing with her eggs and cheese. Her mien was serious and reserved and Jupiter worried.

“Gracious hostess,” the Senshi said, “tell me what troubles you.”

At these words Lii put on a smile, though it was obviously false. “I’m troubled by your leaving. Although it’s been but three days, I feel as if you have been here forever…and it makes me sad to think that I shall never see you again.”

“So hopeful!” Jupiter laughed. “I do not fear the Green Knight, nor should you. I promise that you will see me ere the sunset tomorrow.”

Lii looked hard at the Senshi. “You can promise me that?”

Sailor Jupiter nodded. “I vow it.”

Lii’s face relaxed into a true smile. But when she turned away, Jupiter’s hand rested on her waist where the girdle was tied.

Night had fallen. The two women sat together on a soft couch, the silence lengthening between them.

Of a sudden Jupiter sat bolt upright. “I have completely forgotten my end of the bargain!” she cried. “You gave me your days spoils, but I have not given you mine.”

“Oh?” Lii asked. “And what did the great hunter receive today?”

Jupiter reached forward and pulled the other woman close. “This,” she said and proceed to kiss Lii as she had been kissed that day. As she had to Ran, so Lii wrapped her arms around Jupiter’s waist. The kiss went on as long as the kiss from that day, and was as sweet.

When at last they parted, Lii held Jupiter’s hands tightly. “Please,” she begged. “Stay with me tonight, and tomorrow and the next day. No one need know that you failed to keep your appointment.”

Jupiter pulled her hand away. “But I will. And I have given my word – something sacred to me.” She looked down at her hands. “And the Queen will know – don’t ask me how – I just know she will. How could I ever look her in the face again if I fail in my quest?”

Lii nodded slowly. “Truly, you are brave and strong.” She made an effort to pull herself together. “Is that all you received for your days hunting?” she asked coyly.

Jupiter nodded and stood. “Was that not enough?” she smiled and bade her hostess good night. As laid herself down to sleep, her hand rested upon the hidden girdle at her waist.

***

The morning was cold and dark. Lii girded Jupiter with her armor and repaired cloak. As she had announced, Ran did not appear to see her off. Jupiter waved her hand in farewell and walked away from the house on the hill without a backward glance. But her thoughts were as much behind the Senshi as upon the adventure before her. Her inner eye could see the two women and their somber sadness as they parted with her.

In a few minutes the sun disappeared behind a dark cloud. The forest loomed closely and the wind turned cold. Traces of snow lay on the ground before her and the grass was sere. Jupiter refused to turn around and find that the house was no longer there, so she kept her eyes fixed on the dark wall of trees before her.

All too soon the trees opened up and a path led into the darkness. Jupiter felt fear grow, as the trees pressed thickly about her. As she moved through the morning, the dread grew, until she drew up in front of a large, overgrown gate. A cold wind was blowing and Jupiter began to shiver. She pressed her hand into the gate and slowly, with much noise and complaint, it opened upon a grotto. Jupiter entered this place, her arms crossed against her chest so that they would not shake.

The darkness was absolute. From within the blackness came an eerie sound, a low moan that echoed throughout the grotto. The moan wailed on and on and Jupiter had to clench her fists until her nails cut into her palms so that she would not bolt. The slightest light became visible at one end of the grotto and Jupiter watched in fixed fascination as it grew. Green light poured forth from the figure that strode into the space when, at last, the Green Knight made her appearance.

Jupiter’s clenched fists fell to her side as the giant approached. She knew that she was watching her death come for her and Jupiter desired, above all things at that moment, to see her Queen once more and say goodbye.

The giant smiled to see the Senshi there and bowed to her. “So, you have come after all – that is good.”

“I am here, Green Knight, as I vowed. I pray you make my death swift.”

The giantess laughed at the halting words. “So quick to run to your death. Is there nothing that you would not live for, little Senshi?”

Jupiter thought of Ran’s body close by her own, and Lii’s arms wrapped about her waist. “Yes.”

“Then face your death bravely, for those things depend on it.”

The Green Knight lifted her axe and made a few passes with it, as Jupiter kneeled. “Be careful, Knight and cut me cleanly – I wish to be beautiful in my coffin,” the Senshi joked tightly.

“I know my business, I dare say,” the knight replied.

Jupiter leaned her head forward, and she closed her eyes. The whirring of the axe stopped, a silence more fearful than the sound of it spinning. She clenched her body waiting for the blow. A grunt sounded from the giantess and Jupiter prayed to her patron planet for the care of her soul…but no blow landed.

The giantess pulled away with a laugh. “Nicely done, Senshi – now hold yourself at the ready!” And the great axe was lifted once again.

So close she had come to death once before, this time she could not hold herself steady. As the air parted before the blade to let it through, Sailor Jupiter, one of the bravest of all the brave soldiers of Crystal Tokyo, flinched. She shrank from the sharp metal, pulling her head away at the last moment.

The Knight stepped back, cocking her head at the Jupiter. The Senshi, ashamed of her own fear, could not meet the green eyes that glowed down at her.

“Apparently,” Jupiter laughed a little at her own weakness, “I am human after all.” She took a deep breath and set herself in place once again. “Have at it, I won’t move this time.”

Nor did she. For the third time the axe swung and this time the Senshi stood her ground. The blade met flesh, parted it…and stopped. With nary but the barest edge of the steel blooded, the giantess pulled the axe away and stepped back.

“Three strikes, brave Senshi. Once for your deceit, once for your fear and once, last of all, for your promise.”

“My deceit?” Jupiter cried, rising to her feet. “How did you…?”

The Green Knight laughed. How else could I know? Only she who gave you a girdle of protection could know that you wore it.”

“Ran?” Jupiter stared in wonder. “You are Ran?”

The Green Knight dropped the axe to the ground. She removed her helm and the gauntlets she wore. With each piece that fell away, she lost some of her stature. Her long hair glowed now, not with a horrible green light, but with the sunshine of a bright day. Her green eyes no longer glowed strangely, instead flickered with laughter.

When the last piece of armor was shed, Jupiter stared. For it was not Ran who gazed back at her, eyes alight with amusement, but Lii.

“The first stroke – a deceit. You lied to me, Sailor Jupiter of Crystal Tokyo. Only half of what you won yesterday did you share with me. The second stroke, a humbling testament to pride and fear. The third…well, the mark will not ever disappear, although the stroke is shallow – and it shall remind you for the rest of your life of your humanity.”

Jupiter put her hand to her neck, where the wound already had ceased to bleed. “And so it shall – and it will remind me also of the Green Knight who taught me that lesson.” She smiled kindly upon Lii. “Now I beg you – tell me who you really are, sorceress.”

“Me?” Lii spoke lightly. “I come from a country across the sea, my name is Lii Ran.”

“Lii Ran,” Jupiter repeated. “Now that I fulfilled your challenge I have one for you.”

***

It was spring, and once again the trees and flowers brightened Crystal Tokyo. The Queen had called together the Senshi for a formal meal. Once again, Senshi, Queen and King faced a woman clad all in green. Only this time, she was not alone.

Sailor Jupiter stepped forward to address her sister Senshi. “I have come before you to proclaim that I have fulfilled my quest and my oath.” She reached up and fingered the dark scar on her neck. “Mostly.” She laughed along with the others. “And also to proclaim before you all, that I have subdued the Green Knight.”

Lii stepped to Jupiter’s side and took the Senshi’s hand.

“And,” Jupiter said to a beaming Queen, “to tell you that if you wish to find me in the next few months, you will need to send a message to Greenlawn.”

It was said, among those who knew the truth, that Sailor Jupiter lived the rest of her days with the sorceress Lii Ran at her side…but she was never too proud or too powerful to tell the tale of her humbling at the hands of the Green Knight.

The End

]]>http://worldshaking.net/sm/sailor-jupiter-and-the-green-knight/feed0Kuroko, Senshi of the Kitchenhttp://worldshaking.net/sm/kuroko-senshi-of-the-kitchen
http://worldshaking.net/sm/kuroko-senshi-of-the-kitchen#commentsSat, 06 Jul 2013 05:56:10 +0000http://worldshaking.net/?p=364Disclaimer: As always, thanks and copyright belong to Takeuchi-sensei, Kodansha, Toei and NHK. Notes to follow the story

Courtly Tales of Crystal Tokyo, Tale the First

Kuroko, Senshi of the Kitchen

Alright, alright. You want a story? One full of magic and fighting and great deeds done? Well, let’s see. I might just have the tale for you. It takes place in Crystal Tokyo during the Christmas season, after the Queen and all her Senshi had rebuilt the city after the Black Moon invasion. It was a long time ago now, you see. Not in my time, or your time or anybody else’s time, but in a time all its own. You see, the Queen decided to have a party…

The court was abuzz with anticipation. In an unprecedented event, all of Crystal Tokyo’s notables had been invited to the Palace for a Christmas party. While the Palace had always been open, (in the sense that anyone could enter the public areas,) and those with news or grievances were welcome to see the Queen, never before had there been a celebration of this kind.

As if to complement the festive mood, a soft snow had blanketed the city, the shards of ice and crystal reflecting each other in echoes of sparkling light. The area around the Palace was filled with onlookers as each new member of the court and invited guests disembarked from their transport. Crowds cheered familiar faces, and pondered the unfamiliar, all with a sense of being present at a historic event.

Inside the Palace, the buzz was completely different. While servitors moved with a sense of purpose, there was an underlying sense of pleasure that suffused even the hardest-pressed in the kitchen. Guards and guests mingled with relaxed anticipation, even as the tension began to build.

Neo-Queen Serenity was no hermit, of course, but rarely did she venture away from the Palace demesne, nor was she often seen among large crowds – and never had there been such a crowd at the Crystal Palace. The rumor of her arrival was like an incoming tide that pressed forward, then receded, each time growing in volume and strength. In a climax of applause, at last, she appeared.

As she passed, many bowed, a few knelt and one or two brushed hesitantly at the folds of her gown as she passed. But all commented on the loveliness of their Queen, and some voices were shocked to note how young she seemed. It almost seemed that she had blushed as she strode to the head of the hall, but that couldn’t have been right.

In fact, the Queen *had* been blushing, and was doing a poor job of hiding it. She had been Queen of Crystal Tokyo for well over a thousand years now, and while the job itself was old hat, the adulation of the crowds still, well, astonished her. The Queen waved to her guests, as she seated herself, and hoped that she looked calmer about this than she felt.

A squeeze on her shoulder caused the Queen to look up, where she found the relaxed and adoring face of her husband, gazing at her reassuringly. She gave Endymion a nod and smile, and looked about her for the rest of her court. A swirling eddy of humanity surrounded each of her Senshi and it was easy to spot them in turn. Sadly, the Queen thought of her messages to the Outer Senshi that had returned unanswered. Now that the crisis with the Black Moon had passed, they would have been welcome here. But she had heard no word from any of them in many centuries.

The evening’s festivities were many, and varied; dancing and singing and gifts for the guests. Many of Crystal Tokyo’s finest were honored and, at last, everyone was asked to attend dinner. As the Senshi were settled at the high table, Neo-Queen Serenity rose in her place.

“A long time ago, in Our youth, We were told tales of a king named Arthur. He would gather around him his knights,” here the Queen turned and smiled at her Senshi, “and his court,” her smile now favored her guests, “for the holidays. But before they ate, it was Arthur’s custom to hear a remarkable tale or see a wonderful event. And so, We have decided, shall we. Before those gathered here eat one morsel, we shall see an event or hear a tale of magic and wonder.” And the Queen sat, sharing a glance with the King, for he had been the only one who had known of her plan.

The noise in the hall grew deafening with the shock and surprise of all the guests, and the Queen’s ears rang with the protests of the Senshi, each of whom had several creative reasons for the folly of this venture. The Queen remained adamant, however, and soon an uncomfortable silence fell over the room.

Into this silence stepped a young woman. Immediately the whispers began again, for the young woman was none other than the Princess of the realm, Princess Small Lady Serenity. As a youth, she looked even more like her mother than she had as a child, and many had commented on her beauty.

The Princess stood before the high table and she made a deep curtsey to her mother and father, then turned to face the guests in the hall. “I have come here from my palace to report a terrible evil.” The crowd gasped, as the Princess’ voice rang out. “Some unspeakable horror has wrested my lands from me and cast me out.” The Queen was surprised, as she had heard no word from her daughter on this. “Forgive me, Your Majesty,” the Princess said contritely, “I did not wish to worry you during such a joyous time.”

The Queen smiled reassuringly and bid the Princess continue her tale. “As you know, my mother, the Queen, graciously gave me dominion over a rebuilt kingdom on the Moon, in order to prepare me for my own role one day as ruler of Crystal Tokyo. And since the Moon Kingdom’s rebirth, it has been a place of light and happiness. But a sullen darkness crept over my court and they lay now in a deep sleep, from which I am unable to awaken them. Nightmares they suffer…as do I, for sleep brings me no comfort, just renewed horror.”

Again the crowd noise rose. The Queen raised her hand for silence. Looking down at her only daughter, she asked, “What is the nature of this foe? Have you seen the creature that banished you from your home?”

The Princess shook her head sadly. “No, it attacks only at night, when we sleep. It is formless, a black cloud that chokes off the very air, but nothing can touch it, no weapon can fend it off, and when we wake…if we wake, there is nothing to be seen. Even my own Senshi have fallen to this evil night and are now in a restless and unwholesome sleep. ”

The Queen nodded solemnly. “This is a wonder, indeed.” She looked out into the crowd of guests and asked, “Is there no one who will journey with the Princess and defeat this monster to free the infant Moon Kingdom?”

Well, of course, the Queen’s Senshi immediately insisted that they be the ones to travel to the Moon, but the Queen put out an arm and waved them back into their chairs. Smiling gently, she told them that she could not spare them from her side. Surely, she said, there was one brave and noble citizen of Crystal Tokyo that would dare this adventure.

The silence was pregnant with tension, but no one stood to help the Princess. Again the Queen asked, was there not one among them that would take up the challenge?

At last, a voice was heard from the back of the great hall. A small figure was seen to move through the crowd. Thin and decrepit, it seemed that of all the great ones at the feast, only one poor servant from the kitchen would stand forth.

The Queen looked down at the girl quizzically. “What is your name, child?”

But the girl stood, head bowed and said nothing.

There was a small noise from the head table and the Queen turned to see Lady Mars looking more than a little uncomfortable. The Senshi cleared her throat and spoke, rather embarrassed. “Your Majesty, she won’t give her name. She came to the Palace some months ago, and asked to see one of the Senshi. I was nearby at the time and consented to see her. She gave no name, nor has she since then, but asked for a place in the Palace. We, ahem, found her a job in the kitchen.”

The Queen looked long and hard at Mars then turned back to the girl. Her brow furrowed she said, “They must call you something in the kitchen.”

The young girl lifted her head and the Queen could see large, dark eyes in a pale face. “Yes, your Majesty, they call me Kuroko.”

“A fitting name.” The Queen said as she noted the girl was dressed all in black. “Then so it shall be! Kuroko, you shall be Our agent and assist Our daughter to free the renewed Moon Kingdom.” And The Queen ordered Kuroko be given all that she desired in clothes and accoutrements, then brought back to eat with them at the high table. As for the Princess, she approached the Queen, sputtering with rage.

“Mother! How could you?” the Princess complained, while the noise in the hall grew and food was served to all the guests.

The Queen waved the Princess to a chair. “You asked for help, you shall have it.”

“But…but…but…” The Princess was beside herself with fury. “My Senshi! My court! You will allow a scullery maid to act as a Senshi?”

The Queen’s blue eyes were a little cold as she met her daughter’s gaze. “I wasn’t born royalty, nor were my friends. We might have been maids, or nurses, or teachers. Don’t assume that a title makes one noble.”

The Princess was hushed by that remark, but she seethed in silence through the rest of the meal…and she would not even look at Kuroko when she was led back to the table, clothed in a fine, black dress.

***

The two young women set off the next day, and the Queen herself bade them farewell. They had a long journey ahead of them, and the Princess had warned of challenges long before they would reach the new Moon Palace.

The Queen looked hard at Kuroko and noted that she had taken little with her, by way of either weapons or armor. This concerned the Queen, because as you might imagine, it was her daughter that Kuroko was meant to protect.

“Are you sure there is nothing that can be found for you?” The Queen asked the girl. Kuroko assured the Queen that all she needed would be found in time and the Queen wished her luck, though with some trepidation. Then, taking her daughter aside, the Queen gave the Princess advice on many things, both light and grave. Their leave-taking was private, so what was said does not enter this story.

In a short time, the two had passed out of sight of the Queen, at which the Princess called a halt to their progress. Her brows drawn together and her face very stern, she looked down at the pale girl by her side.

“I do not know who you are,” the Princess began, “or why you feel that you are worthy of this task, but you will fail. Only a Senshi might have the power to defeat this foe. And I doubt that you are a Senshi.” The Princess was very harsh and continued in this vein for some time, until Kuroko simply turned away and continued on their path.

Following along behind the dark girl, the Princess demanded to know why Kuroko had turned her back on a Princess Royal.

“Say what you like about me, but I have undertaken a task for the Queen. You may berate me as we travel – time will not wait for us.” Kuroko said no more, but proceeded to the gate between Earth and the Moon. All the while the Princess followed her, speaking harshly to Kuroko.

Some time passed and the two women found themselves before the gate that led to the Moon. Without a backward glance, Kuroko passed the doors, and the Princess hurried so that she would not be left behind.

Once on the Moon, the Princess addressed her “champion” with disdain. “Well, soon enough this farce will be at an end. The first challenge will dispatch you and release me to find a more suitable savior.”

By now Kuroko had ceased to pay any attention at all to the Princess, and so she said nothing. The Princess had been correct, however, and from the ruins of the old Moon Kingdom, two figures approached.

Smiling with joy, the Princess broke her stride and ran towards them shouting, “Vesta! Pallas! What has freed you from your sleep?”

But the two figures, who were indeed the Princess’ own Senshi, did not respond. Slowly, as if sleepwalking, they each raised an arm and as one, pointed towards their Princess.

The Princess, now realizing that there was something terribly wrong, slowed her steps and stopped. She could see Pallas’ and Vesta’s mouths moving but no sound came from them. Energy gathered at their fingertips, which still pointed directly at her. Protests died on her lips while beams of energy shot from their hands, and she tried to avoid the strike.

But the attack never reached her, for in a moment Kuroko had sped to the Princess’ side and carried her away. As the Princess was laid on the ground, she could just make out the three figures in battle, but her sight dimmed and went dark.

Kuroko, however, had returned to face the two attackers and with a word or two spoken softly, had repelled their attacks and knocked the possessed Senshi unconscious. The dark-haired girl spoke to them as they awoke. Freed from their compulsion, the Senshi knelt before Kuroko, who addressed them in low tones.

“Go back now to the Queen’s Court and tell her what has happened.” Kuroko commanded. The two Senshi stood, and bowing deeply towards their conqueror, took their leave.

By the time the Princess awoke, the Senshi were long gone. Turning to Kuroko, the Princess remonstrated with the girl. “What have you done with my Senshi?” She demanded.

Kuroko, looking up from bandaging a scratch upon her arm, and said, “I have sent them back to your mother, the Queen, to tell her what has occurred.”

The Princess snorted. “What? To tell my mother that you beat them by a fluke?” And she detailed the many ways in which Kuroko could not possibly have defeated her own Senshi. Kuroko nodded in agreement for, of course, one never argues with a Princess.

Once again, the two made ready to travel to the Palace. Despite her rescue, the Princess didn’t seem to be even a little appreciative and spent much of their time ranting about Kuroko’s deficiencies, both apparent and perceived.

At last they reached the Palace grounds and Kuroko turned to the Princess and said, “I think, Your Highness, it would be best if you hide, so that you won’t be attacked once again.”

Despite her objections to being commanded by such a lowly girl, the Princess could not argue with the logic of the idea, so she consented.

Kuroko added, “No matter what you see, please do not come out of hiding.” And the Princess sniffed, as if she would be so stupid.

Nonetheless, she was amazed to see Kuroko call out a challenge towards the Palace gates and even more surprised to see them swing wide – and her remaining Senshi exit. Juno and Ceres stood taller than Kuroko, and they smiled at her. The Princess shuddered, for even from her hiding place she could see that they were not nice smiles.

The two Senshi jumped and disappeared. Kuroko stood firm, but as the Senshi reappeared immediately above her, she raised an arm. As the combined attack reached her, Kuroko merely gestured and the energy was hurled back at her attackers, causing them to fall from the sky and lie on the ground, as if dead.

Forgetting the words of her champion, the Princess rushed from her hiding place, shouting. “Juno! Ceres!” When she reached Kuroko, she rounded on the girl, shrieking at her. “What have you done to them?”

Kuroko brushed the dust of the Moon from her clothes, then bade the two Senshi to rise. At once they did so, then knelt before Kuroko and thanked her gravely for releasing them from their possession.

“Follow your sisters back to Neo-Queen Serenity’s court,” Kuroko said to them, “and tell them there of what has happened.” Bowing low to her, then to their Princess, the two Senshi left, leaving a bewildered Princess behind.

“What does this all mean?” The Princess asked Kuroko.

The dark girl looked towards the Palace and sighed. “You should not have come out of hiding. If you awake and I am not here, do not despair, for I will rescue you.”

The Princess said nothing, but she was very confused and concerned. And into her thoughts entered for the first time a question…who was this girl who had so much power?

That night, Kuroko stood guard while the Princess slept. As the darkness of the lunar night gave way to a glorious sunrise, Kuroko stood by the gates alone…for the Princess had disappeared.

Now, the Princess awoke in a dark place and she was very scared. She knew something was wrong, and she called out for Kuroko, but there was no answer. The Princess was very frightened and began to cry.

A voice, dark and shivery, made her hunch together like a child. “Welcome home, Princess. I hope you don’t mind accepting my hospitality for a little while.”

“Who…who are you?” The Princess asked.

“I am,” the voice laughed, which made the Princess even more afraid, “The King of the Moon Kingdom. Or,” the voice paused, “I will be, when I take you as my wife.”

The Princess was now terrified, but at heart she was a Senshi herself and she pulled herself upright and shouted into the darkness, “Never! I’ll never wed you.”

The laughter made her flinch. “We’ll see.” Said the voice. “Some time alone in my nightmare world will bring about a new decision, I’m sure.” And the darkness vanished to be replaced with a vision out of an evil mind. “Please have fun with my pets.” The voice said and faded.

The Princess found herself, as she had not been since she was a small child, alone and afraid in a world of hellish nightmares. And all at once she thought of Kuroko, the girl she had abused and debased since they had met.

As she walked through ruined towns full of ghouls and monsters, The Princess remembered Kuroko saving her from an attack by her own Senshi, and her grace when she had been sorely used. And the Princess wondered if maybe, just maybe, the girl was strong enough to save her after all.

As for Kuroko, well, she had known what would happen if the Princess came out of hiding, so when she saw that the Princess was gone, she wasn’t surprised. But it left her in a quandary. She wanted to save the Princess, because she had loved her a very long time, but she had promised the Queen that she would free the Moon Kingdom.

Kuroko entered the gates of the Moon Palace and was immediately plunged into a horrible darkness. But darkness did not scare her and she walked on. Unidentifiable noises would draw close, and she could feel the presence of things in the air around her, but still she did not stop. She walked for a very long time in the dark, until she found herself in the palace itself, overgrown with weeds and stinking of decay.

The stones at her feet were cracked, the throne broken on the dais, and for the first time Kuroko became angry. Raising her soft voice, she called upon the creature that had caused the Palace to decay to appear before her. Her voice was lost in the ruined hall. Again she spoke and again her voice disappeared amidst the wreckage.

Kuroko stood, took a deep breath and at last shouted, “Beast – I command you to be present!” Her voice echoed in all the deep places, and rolled through the nightmarish landscape, gaining resonance with every pass…and the nightmare began to shatter.

Shards of ruined Palace walls fell about Kuroko as the horrible illusion was destroyed. The Palace hall stood now, revealed in its true form, its walls incandescent with an inner light. The throne was restored, for it had never been destroyed. Much to Kuroko’s surprise – and to her own – the Princess sat there now, watching as her champion called forth her challenge.

A noise came, like a moan, or a whisper of dead voices, and the Princess shuddered in her seat. A darkness gathered at the far end of the hall, driving before it despair and horror, but Kuroko stood fast. The shadows rolled past her and when they had passed, she found herself facing a giant of a creature. It had armor, or maybe it was scaly skin, and held within its grasp an object that made the Princess gasp. A polearm of a sort, it had a crooked end and the nightmare beast held it lightly. The Princess stood, her nails digging deeply into the palms of her hands, for this one object above all others was dear to her. This was the sole relic of the new Moon Kingdom. The Princess knew full well that no one should have been able to handle that weapon and live.

Nonetheless, the monster bowed deeply towards the dais, then made as if to attack Kuroko. The young girl made no motion, but stood ready. If this creature of nightmare was in truth wielding this weapon, she had no hope of success, she knew. She had only two chances – it might be that this weapon was an illusion, and if not, she had a single slim hope. It was unlikely that she would survive this, but for the Queen and the Princess, she would gladly die trying.

Once again the foul darkness drew close, The Princess could no longer see the combatants, nor could she move from her seat. Sounds of battle came to her ears and roars from the foul lord of nightmares, but that was all. Straining at her invisible bonds, the Princess found herself crying out Kuroko’s name and exhorting her to victory.

Inside the darkness, Kuroko heard these words and they moved her deeply. She leapt from where she stood as the weapon came crashing down. Lightly flipping in midair, she placed one hand on the long pole of the weapon. Finding it warm to the touch, she smiled a grim smile. For this was both very good and very bad.

Time passed but neither combatant could defeat the other. Time and again they drew together and passed, as two knights engaging each other, but neither could gain the advantage. At last, sensing fatigue in the girl, the beast rushed her. Kuroko sprang from her spot and with a twist, spun the weapon from the outlandish monster’s grip. With no more than a nod, and single motion made in deathly silence, the battle ended.

The Princess heard a terrible noise, one that had her cowering where she sat. In a terrific din, the beast’s last cry rang through the palace halls. The Princess found herself shrieking along with it but, as her cries died, so did the death throes of the horrendous creature. The gloom that had blinded her passed away, leaving only her tears to blur her vision. And as they too passed away, the Princess could only stare in amazement at the figure that stood before her. Kuroko stood, leaning heavily on the polearm, but stand she did. Perceiving at last her own foolishness, the Princess leapt from her seat and ran to catch the girl as she fell to the ground.

A year had passed. Once again great crowds were filling the areas of the Crystal Palace. Once again the city was welcomed into the bosom of their Queen’s home and the celebration was full of light and music and beauty. Once again, the Queen invited her guests into dinner…and once again there was a pregnant hush as she rose to speak.

The Queen called before her the Asteroid Senshi to tell their tales of defeat at the hand of a mere kitchen girl. Proudly they told of the invasion of the cursed creature of illusion, their own nightmares and their redemption by Kuroko. And the guests were amazed. Then at last the Princess herself stood and told of how Kuroko had faced the beast of nightmares itself, had stood strong and defeated it. At last, the final word was spoken and the Queen sat for a long time in silence. Calling Kuroko to stand judgment, the Queen looked solemnly at the girl.

“Kuroko, you have performed a great feat, and have gained Our grateful appreciation. Is there nothing more concrete that We can give you as a reward?”

Kuroko looked towards the Princess, then back at the Queen. “I’ll only ask for the one thing I have always wanted. I wish to be made champion to Princess Small Lady Serenity.” The buzz of the court was audible, but no one would speak loudly against the audacity of the girl.

The Queen turned towards the Princess, her eyes glittering. “And what do you have to say about this request?”

The Princess bowed her head and said, “She has earned her place.”

The Queen turned her bright gaze on the darkly-clad girl once again. “Well,” she said, “I suppose I have no reason to refuse your request…except one.” Dark eyes lifted to meet sapphire ones. “Won’t you now tell Us your true name?” The Queen smiled.

Kuroko smiled in return and turned to the court at large. “My name is Tomoe Hotaru. I am Sailor Saturn, Senshi of the Planet of Silence.” And as if she had spoken a charm, the entire hall was stricken with a profound silence.

The Queen looked at Kuroko, now revealed as Sailor Saturn, bearing the weapon she had won back from the beast that was her own Glaive. She turned to the court and asked, “What do the people of Crystal Tokyo say? Should this girl be given her reward?” And the roar of the crowd was deafening.

Thus was the new Moon Kingdom rescued, and Sailor Saturn came to Crystal Tokyo for the first time. And the Princess was very glad to have her friend returned to her after many centuries of separation.

FIN

Notes:

Some of you might recognize the story I blatantly ripped off here, but for those of you who don’t, or for those of you too young to have read it, this is basely ripped from the story of Beaumains, the Knight of the Kitchen, one of the tales of King Arthur and his Court. In it, Beaumains is the somewhat nasty nickname given to a young boy who comes to the court by Sir Kay. I won’t tell you who Beaumains is, or what his adventure was, but do go out and read the story. It’s pretty terrific. If you found anything in this story to enjoy, reward me by reading the original, I’ll consider myself well paid.

Kuro means “black” and “ko” is a common ending for girl’s names.

With luck, this is the first in a series of Arthurian and folk tales starring the Senshi. Bug me about them, so I write them all. yuricon@gmail.com

]]>http://worldshaking.net/sm/kuroko-senshi-of-the-kitchen/feed0The Senshi’s Challengehttp://worldshaking.net/sm/the-senshis-challenge
http://worldshaking.net/sm/the-senshis-challenge#commentsSat, 06 Jul 2013 05:58:50 +0000http://worldshaking.net/?p=368Disclaimers:Takeuchi Naoko, Bandai Visual, Kodansha etc., etc. And all the troubadours who ever bothered to screw with King Arthur and his court. Authors notes to follow the story.

I strongly recommend watching the new live-action Sailormoon , known affectionately as Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (PGSM.) And when you too have, once again, fallen in love with the Senshi, you can join us at the Yuricon Mailing List and intone with our prayer circle – “Please gods, let us get to the Outers…”

If you enjoy Arthurian romance recast as Sailor Moon fanfic, do let me know at yuricon@gmail.com.

And, as always, “Worldshaking” Fanfic supports the Fanfic Revolution, because fanfic doesn’t have to suck.

The Senshi’s Challenge

The third Courtly Tale of Crystal Tokyo

Back again? Have you no lessons to learn? No chores to do?

Oh, so you want another story, you say. Another tale of derring-do and brave warriors, I suppose. Of course that’s what you want. And I also suppose that you desire this to be a story about the bravest of all warriors – the Senshi of Crystal Tokyo. Yes, yes, I have another tale or two in my rattlebag. I have many a tale, as you well know. So, settle down and behave yourselves and I will tell you about a dark time, a bright time, a time neither here nor there, a time neither now nor then. This is a story that takes place in the brilliant, shining past of our brilliant, shining city.

You know, of course, that our magnificent Queen and her Senshi built this city with their strength and their wisdom and their magic, standing alongside the citizens who wanted something glorious to call their own. And I know you know of the dark time our beautiful city suffered, when the Black Moon attacked and nearly destroyed it.

Well this story happened not too long after this terrible time, as Queen and King and Princess and all the Senshi labored to bring back life and hope to a darkened city.

***

It was New Year’s Eve – normally a festive time here in Crystal Tokyo, but in the year I speak of all those who lived here were downcast. What had been a city of light had been brought close to becoming darkened forever. Although life had returned, still, so much death and destruction remained. The Queen had been long sequestered in her palace – rumors spoke of her terrible burden of responsibility; not being able to save her city, she could not, then, bear to look upon the ruins.

But this was not true. In fact, the Queen had, herself, come close to death. Only the great loyalty and love of her Senshi, and the bond between mother and daughter had made her survival possible. The Queen was horribly ill that winter, so much so that those closest to her feared for her life. And of those who knew, only a very, very few, knew why.

The Queen’s power, it is said, comes from a gem so pure, so powerful, that it alone can withstand the forces of evil that assailed Crystal Tokyo. The gem was called the “Magic Silver Crystal,” but that name is hardly a reflection of its true magnificence.

We know now, of course, that the Crystal is the embodiment of our great Queen’s love – but at the time, it was known only as a source of great energy. I won’t tell you of the tragedy that caused it to be lost, you all know that story well…but I will tell you this, although the Crystal had been returned, its loss had pushed our Queen almost past the point of healing.

And so, it was a dark and dreary day in a newly reborn Crystal Tokyo, when a terrible new threat reared its head and almost, almost, destroyed the great Senshi themselves.

***

The Queen sat in her bed, looking positively translucent, her pale face wan and drawn. Her Senshi attended her; each sitting or pacing the room, as befitted their temperament. Good news was rare in those days, as Crystal Tokyo struggled to survive the winter. Rumors were spreading throughout the city that the Queen’s weakness was the cause of the city’s ills…and rumor was followed by malcontent, and its cousin dissatisfaction.

But inside the Palace, there was more to worry about than just the people of the city, or illness of the Queen.

“There is nothing we can do?” The question was asked by Venus. It was her role, in that time, to bring hope and joy merely by being among the people. She often could be seen at hospitals and schools, building walls and moving heavy loads, shoulder-to-shoulder with the citizens. Of all the Senshi, she has always been the best loved by the children of our city.

“Nothing,” Mars replied, her voice, as it was so often in those days, solemn. It was her great spiritual energy that protected and warded the city in this time of want. It was she who first knew of the threat – sensing it with her powers, as she nightly sat in meditation.

Jupiter paced, saying nothing. If there was need for might, she would have been the first to step forward, but she knew that there was nothing she could do at the moment.

“The data confirms it,” Mercury agreed. “There is an enormous build-up of energy at the outer edge of the solar system. The energy signature is similar to ours, but unlike it as well. We simply don’t have the resources to fight it at this time.”

The Queen nodded unhappily. “It is not your duty to fight it…it is mine.” She struggled to leave her bed, but Mars held her firmly in place. “Please,” she requested of her Senshi, “the land and the Queen are one. I must be on my feet to face this, or Crystal Tokyo will not survive.”

The Senshi leapt to assist her, but the Queen brushed them off. Smiling patiently, she spoke firmly, “You cannot assist me, nor should you. This is my burden to bear.” And with a few short words that did not encourage her Senshi, she dismissed them.

Reluctantly, they left the Queen, but did not disperse. Together they made their way to a small room where they could take counsel with one another.

“We can’t let her face this alone,” Jupiter stated without hesitation what they were all thinking.

“But what can we do?” Venus asked. “She has forbidden us to interfere.”

“In fact,” soft-spoken Mercury had the slightest smile on her face, “she forbade us to assist her. She did not address whether we might wish to act on our own.” There was silence in the room as the Senshi pondered the implications, and slowly, smiles returned to their faces as they realized just how they could assist their Queen and still obey her commands. As one, the four Senshi left the room, firm resolve etched into their already tired faces.

***

Jupiter stood in the window, hands clenched upon the sill. Despite this castle being her true “home,” she never felt more lonely and out of place than when she stood in these cold halls. Although there were many details that screamed for her attention, Jupiter found herself staring out into space, her eyes searching for that which she knew she would not be able to see.

Servants bathed her, and set food before her, but the noble Senshi sat, listless, in her castle, waiting for the threat that would confront them – her soonest of all.

Time passed slowly in that place, as Jovian days and months moved in their ponderous ballet. Jupiter roused herself daily to listen to the reports of those who served her, and to rule on disputes, but always her eyes would be far away, and her heart on a small, beautiful, blue planet, with bright skies and an even brighter Queen. Everyday she remained apart from her liege, Jupiter, strongest of all the Senshi, grew angrier. Bereft of the warmth of her true home, she turned a cold eye to the people who inhabited her cold castle. And every day that she passed in exile, her hatred for the threat that brought her there grew, until it consumed her thoughts, waking and asleep.

***

“Have you heard anything at all?” Mercury’s face was drawn with worry. “I can’t get through, I can’t get a signal…”

“No!” Venus voice was distraught. “Nothing at all. Not from the Palace, either.”

Mars appeared on the screen, her face composed, but grey and exhausted. “She’s regaining strength, but slowly. She knows what we’re trying to do, you know.”

“Don’t be a fool, Venus!” Mars snapped. “Of course I didn’t. Who reads the hearts of others better than She?”

“That is true,” Mercury agreed quickly. Something changed in her expression. “I’m going,” she said firmly. “I’m going to Jupiter’s castle – I don’t know what’s happened, but bad news is better than none, in this case.”

“I’ll go with you.” Venus said.

“No,” Mars interjected. “Join me, if you need to do something.” Her grim mouth tightened further. “If Jupiter is lost…”

Venus and Mercury nodded, then one by one, their faces disappeared from the screen.

***

New rumors came from the Palace – the Senshi had returned to their home planets to see to long unattended business, but the Queen was not left alone. A new Senshi had arrived, one from far away, one that did not wish to be known to the people. A mysterious Senshi, whose powers were immense, and incomprehensible.

She had arrived in the dark night, appearing the morning after the last of the Queen’s Senshi had left. Cloaked, they said, in disguise, so no one would recognize her. People of the city began to cast worried glances at their neighbors, wondering if they, too, might be Senshi, or something worse.

***

The Queen, however, was not at all unhappy to see her new companion. Many years had passed since they had last spoken face to face.

“Pluto,” Serenity’s face relaxed as the cloak was pulled aside, and the Senshi rose from her knees.

“My Queen,” Pluto’s voice was unchanged in all those long years. “I would say ‘You look well,’ but it would be a lie.”

“I know it,” Serenity agreed. “Come sit with me and tell me what you know of this threat that faces us. And any word you may have of…”

Pluto gestured abruptly. “There are many things of which we need to speak,” she agreed. “But here is not the place…or the time.”

***

Mercury arrived at Io in the middle of what was obviously a crisis. Many times Mercury had seen a similar scene – people rushing about in panic, sounds of crushing and falling, screams of fear. Ignoring protocol, indeed, ignoring everything but her great friendship with Jupiter, she rushed into the center of the maelstrom, following where her heart told her that Senshi of Strength needed her.

The room had once been grand, with soaring walls and expert carvings upon the walls. Mercury also knew well that it had been loathed by the Senshi of Jupiter, who longed for a small space, filled with warmth and friendship. If only she survived, Mercury thought as she searched the ruins for her friend, perhaps Jupiter could now redecorate to her liking.

The sensors in her visor confirmed that a heart still beat underneath the caved-in walls. Using what might she had, Mercury managed to make a small hole in the large pile in the center of the floor.

“Jupiter!” Mercury cried out over and over, hoping beyond hope for some answer. When a groan answered her, followed by a croaking voice, tears sprang to Mercury’s eyes.

“Ami, is that you?” Jupiter coughed slightly and groaned again. “Stand back…I have to get out of here.”

Quickly Mercury backed off, taking cover behind what was once a great table, now upended on the edge of the chasm that had been carved into the middle of the hall.

With another cough and a great noise, the rubble in the center of the room lifted itself and flew asunder, stone and wood shrapnel striking the remains of the walls with sharp reports. Mercury stayed where she crouched until the noise died away, then leapt over the newly scattered debris to catch Jupiter as she fell to her knees.

“Go back, Mercury,” the tall Senshi gasped. “Go tell her it was…”

But the words were lost in a roar of noise which grew louder and more fierce with every second. Mercury whirled to face the onslaught, but was too late. By the time she thought to fight back, the battle was already over and two Senshi lay unconscious on the floor amidst the wreckage of the great hall.

***

Venus arrived on Mars to find the Senshi of that planet alone, except for her attendants Phobos and Deimos. The three sat in near darkness, illuminated only by a flickering flame.

“They’ve been defeated,” Mars said, rising to her feet smoothly and gesturing for Phobos and Deimos to leave. “These arrived at the same time.” Mars brushed her long black hair back and handed over two disks. Venus looked at one but briefly, and the other for a much longer time.

“Down, but alive.” Venus said with a long release of breath.

“There were no injuries,” Mars confirmed. “Not one person was even scratched.”

“And this?” Venus held up the second disk with a wave. “What shall we do about it?”

Mars shrugged. “I’ve already accepted, although we don’t have a chance against them.”

Venus looked down once again at the challenge. “In the name of the Moon Kingdom of the Past and of the Future, we challenge you,” she read out loud. “But who are “we”?” she mused.

Mars shook her head. “Would it matter if I told you?”

Venus looked at her fellow Senshi sharply. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Mars lips grew tight, “Jupiter is defeated, Mercury is defeated – we have no chance alone. Will the names of our Enemies matter much?”

Nodding, the Senshi of Fire turned away, hiding an ironic smile from her companion. “Minako…I think She was right. This is Her battle – all we can do is delay them and give Her one day more to gain some strength.”

The Senshi of Love put a gentle hand on Mars’ shoulder. “I know you’re right, but I have to believe we can make a difference.”

Pluto’s face was serious as she watched the Queen struggle to her feet, her chest rising and falling too quickly.

“You’ve been a great help to me, Pluto.” Serenity’s voice was weaker than she would have liked to admit. “But I have to do this on my own.”

The Senshi of Time nodded, her face bleak. “That is why I am here, My Queen.”

The Queen laughed a little. “‘My Queen,'” she mimicked gently. “Once upon a time, you called me Usagi-chan and teased me for being clumsy.”

The older woman’s face eased into a small smile. “Once upon a time, you were not the Queen of Crystal Tokyo.”

“True.” She looked up with delight as her husband entered the room and extended a hand. Serenity took the hand and, leaning heavily upon it, headed towards the door. “But you know,” she continued, “I don’t feel different in my heart. I am still the same person, in here.” And her free hand laid itself gently upon her chest.

“You are,” Pluto acknowledged, “And you are not.” But when the Queen pressed her for more information, the Senshi would say nothing more on the subject.

***

“We have come to issue a challenge,” the first spoke with ominous voice. “If you be Senshi of Crystal Tokyo and not afraid, then stand forth and fight.”

Mars and Venus stood shoulder to shoulder. “We are here to answer the challenge, stranger. But it is rude to issue a challenge without a name. Who are you and why do you seek to harm us?”

The stranger laughed shortly. At this distance it could not even be seen whether the opponent was male or female. Both Venus and Mars strained to see past the glamour that kept them from the truth.

“Let that be your prize upon victory, then,” the Enemy said.

“So be it,” Venus said, her eyes narrowing. “But why? Why do you do this thing?”

There was a very long pause before the Enemy spoke again. “Because we want…need…to know, who is the strongest.”

***

The Queen received the message as she sat upon her throne, but Pluto could see that she already knew. “Mercury,” Serenity whispered as she read the note, “Mars, Jupiter, Venus…” When the first tears fell from the Queen’s eyes, it was all Pluto could do to stay where she was, her face blank and her heart firmly resolved. “This enemy is formidable, indeed.”

“Please tell them…” Serenity stood, one hand clenched by her side. “No, I will go tell the Enemy myself, that I accept the challenge.”

***

The day was bitterly cold, the landscape outside the city bleak in the dead of winter. A gathering of people stood, shivering, in the wan sunlight. Three upon one side faced two upon the other, while four lay unconscious upon the ground.

“We didn’t hurt them,” the Enemy spoke shortly. “We simply removed them – they stood between us and our true opponent. This is between you and ourselves.”

“Why?” Serenity asked. “What do you seek to prove by doing this?”

A small smile crossed the Enemy’s face, “Because we must,” came the answer, “Because you are not strong enough – not yet, and maybe not ever.”

The Queen thought about this for a long moment, then nodded. It was, after all, her job to protect her city, and if she could not do it, then she was truly not worthy. “That is fair,” she responded. With few words, the rules of the fight were agreed upon, and the parties faced off.

Serenity was still weak, but her skills were greater than the last time she had fought this Enemy. Her motions were slow, her defenses clumsy, but still, time after time, she escaped traps that were set and avoided attacks, although narrowly. But the Queen had never been a great fighter and she was, at last, held in place firmly, while the Enemy advanced upon her.

Closing her eyes, Serenity let her arms go limp. Energy gathered in front of her chest, the glow growing more strongly with every second. Her opponents drew away as the light grew, but Serenity’s eyes flew open as her enemy began to laugh.

“Very nice,” the voice came from behind her. “Is this what you expected to use?”

Serenity whirled on the second person, finding herself looking up into cold eyes. “I’m afraid,” her opponent said, “you will be disappointed.”

And with those words, the Senshi, for that is what her enemy was, held up her hand…and Serenity fell to her knees.

“How did you…?” Serenity gasped, her hand now clenched upon her breast as if her heart was being wrenched from her, still beating. “The Magic Silver Crystal!”

The laugh that fell upon her ears was painfully familiar. “You seem to have trouble holding on to it, Your Majesty.”

Serenity looked up at their faces, then over to her husband, who stood paralyzed with anger and shock. But it was the last face she saw that caused her the most pain. “Pluto? It was you?”

The Senshi of Time met her eyes with obvious effort. “Because I serve you, too, in my own way -it was my fate, this time, to take it from you.”

Serenity lifted herself to her feet, staring at Pluto wide-eyed as comprehension dawned. She whirled to face her opponents, her implacable Enemy, even as her Senshi began to groan and struggle to consciousness behind them.

“Fate?” Serenity asked and took a step forward. “Can it be…?”

And with that, both enemies lifted their hands in attack, while Pluto silently watched the scenario, so long destined.

The attacks rolled and thundered, combining into a huge, sparkling sphere of energy that traveled directly towards Serenity. The Queen turned so that the great, grinding sphere would hit her full in the front. Not a glimmer of light surrounded her – no energy built, no light shone from her – no power would save her as she gazed, not at her fate which came crashing towards her, but at those who attacked.

And, as the sphere engulfed her, her form disappearing into the energy, the Queen’s lips moved, although no words could be heard over the noise of rushing water and rending earth.

The impact was deafening and blinding – all those who watched were forced to cover their eyes and turn away from the heat and light. King Endymion was the first to recover, his mask protection enough for him to step forward, but he found himself held back by a hand which gripped his wrist tightly. He glared at Pluto in anger, but she shook her head, holding him firmly where he stood.

The energy dissipated, and the observers could see a great swath of earth had been ripped up from the ground, but at the end of the fissure stood the Queen, her hands across her chest, and silver tears falling from her eyes.

“You’ve come back,” she said, as her hands stretched out towards the two who stood before her. “You’ve come back!”

The Magic Silver Crystal began to glow, as if it were a nova in the night sky; the light expanded, burning brighter and brighter until it could no longer be held. Released, it floated into the air, then dissipated into the ether, lending its energy to a sun that now grew warm and shed its light upon the faces of those who watched.

The Queen, bathed in that glorious light, turned her shining face upon the two intruders, and smiling, sent beams of pure energy towards them, which sent them stumbling backwards, crying out in surprise and defeat. As they fell to their knees, heads bowed in defeat, tears came to their eyes and they prostrated themselves in front of the great Queen of Crystal Tokyo. After a moment, the light which held them in place faded, and the two rose to their feet, each holding one hand clenched against her breast in salute. In unison they bowed.

The four Senshi, once again conscious, struggled to their knees, their faces wreathed in wonder, for the glamour which had hid their opponents had lifted and they could now see their faces clearly.

“Uranus? Neptune?” Jupiter was the first to manage to speak. Her voice was torn between joy at meeting her comrades once again and rage at the manner in which they had returned. “What did you mean by this?”

Uranus laughed and held out a hand to the second-strongest Senshi. “We thought you might be getting a little proud – here in your beautiful city with no one to challenge you.” With only the slightest effort, Uranus assisted Jupiter to a standing position and steadied her.

Neptune brushed dry grass from Mars’ back, as the Senshi of Fire regained her feet. “We thought to remind you that hubris is not something a Senshi should cultivate.” She smiled at the dark look Mars shot her. “You knew who we were, didn’t you, Rei? Why did you fight us?”

Mars huffed and pulled away from Neptune’s assistance. “Because I wanted to defeat you – or, at least to delay you.”

Neptune hid her smile behind a hand, as she and her partner, the redoubtable Uranus, Senshi of the Wind, stood and faced their Queen. Pluto released the King’s arm and stepped over to take her place with them and as one, the three Senshi of the Outer Solar System knelt and renewed their fealty to their liege.

For her part, our great Queen Serenity still stood, with her hands outstretched, and bid them rise and come to her. With great ceremony and tears that flowed freely upon all the faces there, she welcomed Uranus and Neptune back, while the four Senshi of the Inner Solar System looked on. For a long moment, the scene remained a great Queen welcoming long-lost servants into her fold, but before long it was a woman, embracing beloved friends who had been much missed, back home.

***

The feast that night was great, as you can imagine. For there were many things to celebrate in that time: The Queen of Crystal Tokyo had regained her strength almost miraculously; and the full compliment of Senshi were gathered together for the first time in more years than anyone living could remember. And, above all things, the winter was lifting its cold hand from the land and spring was surely just around the corner – a spring that would see all things healed and renewed.

And so Crystal Tokyo celebrated with wine and food, and song and dance late into the night.

In the late hours, when the revelry had faded and it was not the great soldiers of the realm, but 11 close friends who sat together and talked, there was one last thing to be said, and Jupiter – always forthright – said it.

Looking sternly at Uranus, then at graceful Neptune, who sat side by side laughing at some jest, Jupiter stood before them and pointed a finger. “This was the second time, Haruka, that you deceived me in a fight. Although the older offense be a millennia ago, I do not free you from it. One more time you will fight me – and this time I *will* win.”

So it was, that if one could see into the Palace, into the Queen’s chambers that night, one would see the most undignified of gatherings, as the Senshi, the Princess, and perhaps even the King and Queen themselves, took sides and watched Jupiter arm wrestle Uranus into submission.

“You win,” Uranus conceded amid the combined laughter of all of the Senshi of Crystal Tokyo.

***

So, now you have heard the story of how the last of the Senshi returned to our fair city, and how our Queen regained her hope and her strength by it. Those among you who are quick of wits may also have gleaned a little of the nature of her power and the Crystal that symbolizes it.

But now I have work to do – and so do you. Go do your chores and your homework and maybe, when we all have a free moment some time later, I’ll tell you another tale of the great nobles of Crystal Tokyo.

***

Notes:

This story is a mixture of two versions of the appearance of Agravain and Gaheris at court…a sort of eclectic mix of two completely disparate stories, one pre-Lancelot, one post-.

In the first, older, version, Agravaine and Gaheris are the twin brothers of Gawain, who come to court disguised and challenge all the knights. They manage to defeat all of them, including Gawain (then champion of the King.) When Gawain was forced to concede, they remove their disguises and a happy reunion among brothers occurs. (For the trivia-minded, the fourth brother in that family is Gareth. His story, “Beaumains, or the Knight of the Kitchen” is parodied in my Courtly Tale of Crystal Tokyo, Kuroko, Senshi of the Kitchen.)

The second appearance of Agravaine and Gaheris is much more sinister. After Gawain accuses Lancelot of sleeping with Guinevere, Agravaine challenges Arthur to a duel to decide the issue. Unbeknownst to an increasingly feeble Arthur, Morgan Le Fay has stolen the scabbard of Excalibur – which protects him from harm – and replaced it with a fake. During the duel, Arthur is wounded, but he cannot hurt Agravaine. Only the arrival of Lancelot allows Arthur to discover the subterfuge and survive. And that is basically the beginning of the end for Camelot.

I kind of merged these, with an eye towards the former more than the later, because I didn’t feel like writing something totally depressing. :-)

]]>http://worldshaking.net/sm/the-senshis-challenge/feed0Senshi of the Grailhttp://worldshaking.net/sm/senshi-of-the-grail
http://worldshaking.net/sm/senshi-of-the-grail#commentsSat, 06 Jul 2013 06:00:03 +0000http://worldshaking.net/?p=370Notes and Disclaimers: As always, the characters in this story were originated by Naoko Takeuchi and are currently owned by Bandai Visual and Kodansha, and by some unnamed bard in the dark ages. Thanks to all of them for letting me get this off my chest.

I honestly don’t expect too many people to get this one, this is not the most popular, or most common story in the Arthurian cycle, but in many ways, it is one of the most compelling.

Since the days I wrote the first of the Courtly Tales, Yuricon has undergone a *lot* of changes, so I hope you’ll drop by for news, events and contests and of course the largest shop on the Internet for Yuri fans. And, if you enjoy this story, please feel free to let me know at yuricon@gmail.com

Senshi of the Grail

“And so, I came upon a castle.

It was not so much to look at from the outside, but immediately there was a kind of otherworldly light that sprang up from it, so that I felt I was looking in through a door upon heaven.

I was weary and wounded, my clothes ripped and worn. My heart turned towards the castle in hope that I might find respite and healing.

The doors opened just before my hand touched the wood. As you know, I am not entirely without suspicion or worldliness, so I recoiled slightly, concerned about what I might find waiting for me. But no monster showed itself, nor obvious evildoer. Instead what appeared before me was a young woman, clad in white.

“Traveler!” she cried out, then stopped and stared for a moment. When she spoke again, her eyes were wide, but her tone was calm. “Welcome to the castle of the Fisher Queen.”

I wondered at the name, but said nothing, wanting to avoid offense. I was led in to the castle, my horse taken away by stablehands and my own self taken in hand by the woman in white.

“You have arrived in time for a great feast,” the woman, who never named herself, announced. “Tonight the Fisher Queen will dine with you.” The pronouncement was laden with meaning but, again, I could not bring myself to ask.

I was bathed and clothed in cloth of gold and brought to a large chamber laid out as if for a great meal. Despite the large table, set with many plates, I was alone as I was seated in the place of honor.

After a few moments, there was the sound of horns, as if from far away, announcing an impending arrival. The doors to the hall were flung open and I beheld a spectacle that I can now scarcely credit, although I saw it with my own eyes.

A procession entered the hall; flag bearers and musicians led the way, followed by nobles of all kinds and ranks. They entered the hall silently, their faces expressionless as they took their places at the table. The musicians played merrily on, but no sign of joy was to be seen on any face.

When the great ones of the castle were seated, there was a profound silence that settled upon the crowd. As one, they turned to the doors and waited. There was a soft sound, the sound of cloth being pulled across the ground, and then *they* appeared.

The first was a woman, tall and fair. Her dress was white, but around her neck she wore a dark blue stone and upon her forehead was a golden circlet with the same blue gem. In her slim white arms, she bore a pillow made of some soft material. Upon the pillow lay a sword. As she passed by, a soft murmur followed her, a wind of amazement in her wake.

Following the first came a second woman with long, wavy hair. Her gemstone was a vivid green, and in her arms she bore a mirror that shone darkly upon us. As she passed the murmur of the crowd ebbed and flowed like the waves.

Next came a tall, dark woman, bearing a deep garnet-colored gem. Stones upon her neck and brow reflected the deep wine-color of the stone in her hands. Time seemed to stand still as she passed by.

Finally came a maiden, younger, smaller than the rest. Her pure eyes remained fixed on the item she carried – a grail, a cup of pure light. The room lit with an ethereal glow as she passed around the table. The crowd was silent as the object moved around the room.

The four stood behind me, or should I say that arrayed themselves behind the host’s seat, which was still empty. Once this was done, all eyes once again turned towards the doors, and once more a bewildering sight appeared. There was a figure of immensely royal lineage, her face beautiful but for the ravages that pain or disease had left upon her. Grey skinned, brow furrowed, but still there was no doubt this was the ruler of all who sat there. The company sprang to its feet as she entered, and I did, as well.

Slowly she was carried in on her palanquin, her bearers endeavoring to move her with utmost smoothness and softness, and still the flinch upon her face when they missed their step, no matter how small, was apparent to all. Slowly, carefully, they brought her to place prepared for her at the head of the table.

When she was seated, she bid all to sit and welcomed me warmly. I tried to not stare at the wound which bled through the bandages, plainly visible…and although I wondered at it greatly, I could remember my mother bidding me as a child to not call attention to other people’s differences and so I remained silent.

The meal was sumptuous and the Queen most gracious, but her pain was ever obvious and it worried me that she suffered so. Above all, there was the question of the Grail…for surely it had been the Holy Grail itself that I had seen? If the goodness and kindness embodied in that cup was real, why could she not partake of it and be healed?

All these thoughts filled my head. I did my best to be a good guest, but when the meal was over, I retired to the room prepared for me with relief. The sight of the Queen in such pain…I can never forget it. And I…I could do nothing.

I slept deeply that night, and awoke as the sun rose. Immediately, I knew something was different. The sun rose, not through the window of a high castle tower, but upon my body laid out on a bower in the woods. Castle and court had disappeared! Or, had I been spirited away? I did not know and sat there in bewilderment until a glimpse of white through the woods made me aware that I was not alone.

It was the maiden who had greeted me the night before – her face was grave, almost reproachful.

When she reach where I sat upon the ground, she pointed an accusing finger towards me. “Senshi of Crystal Tokyo, why have you failed our Queen?”

I shook my head, not understanding the accusation.

“The Fisher Queen, keeper of the Grail, suffers a wound that may not be healed until a Senshi from Crystal Tokyo should ask after it and cause it to be healed. You, Senshi of healing, of wisdom, Sailor Mercury, you have been shown the Grail and failed to understand its power. Once again our castle retreats into the mystery that surrounds it. You have failed our Queen – and us.”

And with those words, she disappeared.”

The Senshi of Mercury was silent for a long moment, while the Queen and her sister Senshi watched her with clenched hands. Mercury bowed her head. “I have therefore sworn to leave the court of Crystal Tokyo and not return until I have once again found that Castle and had the Grail revealed to me. It is my fate to heal the Fisher Queen of her unhealing wound.” Lifting her head, the Senshi of Wisdom lowered her visor and bowed low. “My Queen, I go seek the Grail.”

At this vow, her sister Senshi stood, each also clamoring to find that holy cup and bring it back to the Queen. Queen Serenity heard these vows with a grave expression and when noise of Senshi and crowd died down, she nodded slowly.

“It is my fate, I think, to lose my Senshi for a time. Although I let you go with the greatest reluctance, I know I cannot hold you back. Therefore, go with my blessing, brave and noble Senshi and return to me as soon as you can, Grail or no.” With tears streaming silently down her face, our brave Queen stood and walked away from her seat. The Senshi stood hesitating, then slowly and separately walked out of the room and out of our fair City.

And, as you know, they are still gone. Out there, somewhere are our beloved Guardians, the Senshi or Crystal Tokyo. May they return soon, before misfortune falls on us all.”

Notes: Almost 8 years after I planned on it, this story is done, phew. This is loosely patterned after the story of Parsifal, who is a very, very late addition to the Arthurian cycle.

There were two key concepts to Parsifal’s story – one, that he was a knight’s son, but that his mother raised him to be naive, unaware of his heritage. She warned him to not fight or do any violent skill of any kind, but when he saw knights ride by him in the woods, he was compelled to become a knight. His mother also told him to never ask any questions. His “innocence” allowed him to see the Fisher King’s castle, but his inability to ask after anything he saw lost the right to approach the Grail.

Before Parsifal even existed in the cycle, the knight that came closest to the Grail was Bedivere, which was the later name of one of Arthur’s earliest companions, back when he was merely a Welsh warlord, Bedwyr. Bedwyr was also the first knight to throw Excalibur in the Lake, before Galahad came on the scene. (Thomas Mallory rewrote a lot of the cycle to add more French characters in the place of the older Welsh or English ones.) It has always seemed obvious to me that Mercury is Bedwyr.

There is one story left in this series – Venus. Can you guess who she must, *obviously* be? ^_^

]]>http://worldshaking.net/sm/senshi-of-the-grail/feed0The Morning Star Burns Brightlyhttp://worldshaking.net/sm/the-morning-star-burns-brightly
http://worldshaking.net/sm/the-morning-star-burns-brightly#commentsFri, 07 Mar 2014 22:38:00 +0000http://worldshaking.net/?post_type=sm&p=1117I began the Courtly Tales of Crystal Tokyo series a little more than a decade ago with Kuroko, Senshi of the Kitchen and Sailor Jupiter and the Green Knight. That second story is still one of my favorites. ^_^ It seemed so obvious to me that each of the Senshi, archetypes as they are, fit neatly with an Arthurian knight. In 2006, I was contacted by a Ph.D. candidate from Australia, who asked me which Senshi fit which Arthurian characters. At the time, all but two stories were written, so she asked me who Mercury and Venus were. Without a moment’s hesitation, I replied back. “Bedwyr and Lancelot.”

And so they are. And here, at last, is the final entry. It is a story that means a great deal to me, as it incorporates a key element from the original anime, and also serves as a kick in the balls to T.H. White. I hope you enjoy it.

If you enjoy my writing and/or Yuri, please visit Okazu, the largest, most comprehensive Yuri blog in the world, or Yuricon Essays where we’ve collected all the research on Yuri we can find. ^_^

The Morning Star Burns Brightly, the Final Courtly Tale of Crystal Tokyo

I come outside to sit in the sun and drink to my own health and what do I find? A gaggle of you, waiting to be told another story. Honestly! Will you be satisfied after I tell one more? Will you return to your own lessons and chores and leave me to mine? Well, then, I will tell you one last story of the greatest of the great hearts of our beloved Crystal Tokyo….

***

It was late summer. Fruits lay heavy on vine and tree. Our magnificent Queen declared that the day would be a holiday for all, that games and contests would be celebrated in the green grass that surrounds Crystal Tokyo. The entire city was festooned with streamers and banners, so that the flickering and flashing of them in the sun were blinding. Dressed in their finest, men, women and children poured out of the gates to the great park that surrounds our beautiful city. And for miles around, one could hear the music and laughter and smell the scents of all manner of food. It was a delightful day – and a memorable one. I shall grow old and feeble of mind, and still, I shall never forget that day.

Of course the Queen herself was surrounded by her pride and joy, her Senshi. All of them were arrayed in their colors. Even from a distance it was possible to identified fiery Mars and gentle Jupiter, accompanied upon that day by her companion Lii Ran. Wise Mercury who had seen the Fisher Queen’s Castle sat at the right hand of the Queen. Uranus was visible overseeing contests of speed and strength, while Neptune gravely judged works by city artisans. Mysterious Pluto could be seen watching over the young Princess and her bosom friend Saturn. But where, people wondered, was shining Venus? Venus, who among all the Senshi, was ever first to attend party or celebration, and who was ever first with a cheerful word or a bright smile. No one could see her anywhere. As her absence was notable, her absence was noted.

It wasn’t long before the rumors for lack of fair Venus’ presence made their way to the Queen herself. She rather enjoyed hearing that she and her dear friend had quarreled, or that Venus was busy shaping a surprise for her, but when the rumors started to take on darker tones, tales of conspiracy and betrayal, the Queen decided that she had had enough.

She stood and commanded that all should heed her words.

“Thank you all, citizens of Crystal Tokyo for sharing today with me!” There was a murmur of approval at this, for who did not enjoy those things that made their dear Queen happiest?

“I hear that some of you are concerned at the absence of one of our Senshi. Venus has been away on a journey, but I trust that when she returns, she will give a reasonable account for why she is missing my party!” The last few words had become rather more petulant than the Queen intended, maybe, and a few who stood close to the royal dais later swore that they saw her, quite probably, stomp her foot.

As if it had been prophecy, just then, there was a ruckus at the very back of the crowd. A noise, unlike any that had been heard for many a year, a person crying out; in distress, or haste, one couldn’t be sure. But a voice crying out, that was certain. And then amazement flooded the faces of the guests, because the voice belonged to none other than the subject at hand herself – the shining Morning Star of Crystal Tokyo, golden Sailor Venus.

“I’m sorry I’m late!” where the words that the wind carried towards the Queen. I have it on good account that those on the dais wore the most amazing countenance, as if they were, against great odds, trying not to laugh. But of course that could not possibly be true of our noble and always gracious court.

Venus flew through the crowd, waving what appeared to be a handkerchief, calling out apologies as she ran. The crowd fell into a subdued silence….one might also have thought that they were trying to keep their laughter in check.

At last, Venus made it to the dais, where she took a few deep breaths and bowed most humbly to her monarch. Then, amazingly, she turned to the crowd and did the same. It was too much for the spectators and many of them fell into hearty laughter at the apologetic face of one of the most powerful people in existence, bowing deeply as she asked forgiveness.

Turning to her Queen once again (possibly to ignore the crowd, which was now laughing uncontrollably, despite itself,) Venus became quite serious.

“Is it still my Queen’s law that no morsel shall pass her lips until she has heard a great adventure or seen something amazing on feast days such as this?”

Queen Serenity cocked her head at her dear Senshi. “It is. Do you have such a tale for Us?”

“I do!” Venus said with such enthusiasm that the crowd once again felt they were very close to laughter. “Be seated and I will regale you with an amazing tale. Seriously amazing,” she assured both crown and crowd. “Really…it was amazing.”

When court and crowd were seated, the Senshi stood in front of all and began recounting….

“You may remember not too long ago when the Court was taking a ride through Crystal Tokyo? I volunteered to stay behind to keep a presence in the castle itself, although I dearly love to talk with the people of this city. But all my sister Senshi had taken their turn at remaining behind, and so I thought it just that I also take my turn.

“And so, I was alone (and a little bored, if truth be told) in the castle when the messenger came. He was a rough man, beaten and tired. He asked me if I represented the court of Crystal Tokyo. When I said I did, he handed me a letter in the most boorish manner then took himself off. I set the letter aside, with a reminder to tell Your Majesty about it when you returned.” Venus took a deep breath as this had all come out in a single rushed breath. There was a pause as she considered her next words. “But…”

“But , you forgot” said the Queen with the smallest of smiles.

Venus ignored her. “When I found the letter again, some time had passed and as I read, I realized the situation contained therein had become even more urgent….”

There as a short pause, at which Mercury spoke up. “The situation?”

“Yes, the situation.” The Senshi’s voice was dire, but the crowd was so high strung at this point that even dire news was to be met with more laughter. “You see, the letter was from a young woman, who was trapped in her own castle!”

The crowd was now enrapt, as were the Queen and her court. What fairer start to an amazing tale could there be? A fair maiden trapped in her home? There was rustling as everyone settled down for an adventure.

“The letter was from a maiden, Elaine she called herself, of the Vale of the Mist. I had never heard of the Vale of the Mist, but that’s totally beside the point. Lady Elaine wrote that she was besieged in her own home by a brutish cur who would not…” here she paused for a deep breath, “…take no for an answer.”

There was dead silence at this, at which Venus scowled and continued her tale.

“Well, as the Goddess of Love, I couldn’t possibly let this slide. So, as soon as I could I left Crystal Tokyo and headed to wherever it was that Elaine was. To rescue her, of course,” she turned and addressed the Queen, who nodded solemnly enough, but whose eyes were most assuredly laughing.

“The journey was hard and long and there were so many obstacles! For instance, did you know that…” Venus stopped herself, thought about it and changed her mind. A few coughs were heard as the crowd used their last measure of control to not react.

“Anyway, it was a long, hard journey and eventually I reached the castle in the northwest, called Raven Hill. It was a gloomy place, kind of overgrown and the trees had things hanging from them, you know….” Venus lifted her hands to shoulder level and wiggled her fingers as they hung downwards.

“So, into this grim wasteland I came, and not one person was around to greet me – I really could have used some tea and a snack, but no, there was only the dark castle on the hill and me…and this encampment thing. Mercury, what do you call it when there’s like a tent and a fire and weapons and like a little wall around it all?” Venus turned to the blue-haired woman.

“A biouvac?” The Senshi of Wisdom offered, trying not to look anyone in the eyes.

“That’s it – it was a biouvac. So I walked right up and said, ‘Are you the guy bothering Elaine?’ and the knight inside – did I mention there was a knight? There was this guy sitting inside the tent, and it was he whom I addressed,” she took a breath and gave a sharp look at the persons sitting closest to where she stood, who were starting to shake a little.

“He stood up – I was really surprised to see that he was the guy who delivered the letter in the first place. I took a good long look at him this time. He was kind of hairy,” she gestured at her chin, “and needed a bath, and he had these dark eyes. I think if you cleaned him up he’d look okay though.

“So I pointed my finger right at his nose and said, ‘You should be ashamed of yourself!’ You know what he did? He smiled! Well that put me in a pretty bad mood, so when he said, “Great Senshi of the Court of Crystal Tokyo, you are far more beautiful than I had heard.” Her voice dropped to indicate a man’s voice. “I probably cannot defeat you, but I have no choice but to fight you, for no one will enter Raven Hill but me.” Venus lowered voice and brow to speak the strange knight’s part, and people around her shook quietly in fear…or so we may believe.

Venus pulled herself to her full height and declaimed, “So I bested the Bear Man in fair combat and proceeded to the castle.” The crowd gasped at the suddenness of the knight’s defeat and the lack of detail with which it was presented. Later, informants nearest to the Court were heard to say that if she didn’t regale the crowd in excruciating detail, it “must have been pretty ugly.”

“The castle wasn’t empty, but the people seemed to take no notice of me as I walked around. I approached one old woman to ask where the fair Elaine was, she looked at me kind of funny and pointed down a hall.

“Slowly…stealthily,” Venus hunched herself over to mimic her stealthing skills, “I walked down the hall until I heard the sound of running water. I followed the sound and found myself in a bathroom. While I would have loved a nice soothing bath right about then, I surely could not have considered bathing in this tub, for the thing was surrounded by flames!” With this, she flung her hand to the sky. At the crowd’s lack of response, she turned to them and shouted, “Flames!” throwing her hands up again. They caught the cue this time and gasped with an admirable show of shock.

“And, more horrifying, in the bath itself sat a girl about my age.”

No one in the crowd or on the dais had the heart to point out that her age was rapidly approaching her thousandth birthday.

“I asked the girl, ‘Are you Elaine?’ and when she said she was, I introduced myself. Posing heroically, I declared, ‘Fear not fair maiden, I am the Goddess of Love, Senshi of the Court of Crystal Tokyo, Venus! I will rescue you!'”

This time the crowd caught the cue right away and burst out in applause and cheers. Venus favored them with a gratified smile.

“I took a step forward, but the girl stood suddenly, put both hands out to her sides, and shouted ‘STOOOOPPPP!’

“So, I stopped.

“‘Senshi of Crystal Tokyo you may be,” the girl declared, but these flames cannot be borne by man or woman, by hero or heroine. They are flames created by a grudge and their curse is unbreakable by all but a soul whose heart is pure.”

At this, the crown gasped with genuine surprise. But the only reaction to be seen on the Queen’s face was the slightest twitch of an eyebrow,

“Well, that didn’t faze me, no sirree!” Venus declared to the crowd and court. “Because as you all know, my strength is that of ten, because my heart is pure!”

The crowd was heard to murmur “pure, pure, yes very pure” at this. The look on the Queen’s face was, I am told, indescribable.

“Flames licking at my hair, and skin, I waded in bravely to save the fair maiden…”

“I GOT OUT ON MY OWN!”

By now, the crowd was turned completely around, and the Queen and her court were all on their feet at the spectacle of a young woman running toward the dais, shouting, waving her arms.

“I waded in *bravely*…”

“You stood there, complaining, until I got out in order to shut you up!”

“Bravely…” Venus tried one last time, barely getting the word out before she was tackled by a fair brown-haired young woman of Venus’ apparent age.

There was a brief scuffle in which some hair might have been pulled and the sound of slapping was heard if tales be true, but after the briefest of moments, the Queen’s voice was raised.

“Stop that. This instant.”

Immediately, combatants withdrew and, leaning over and panting in an unseemly fashion, the newcomer turned her gasping for air into a deep bow. “My name is Elaine, of the Vale of Mist. I have a tale I must tell!”

Venus opened her mouth, but the Queen held up a hand and she subsided.

“Fair Elaine,” the Queen spoke without irony, for Elaine was indeed fair, if currently flushed and with a few grass blades in her hair. “Tell your tale, so that We may eat before dark today.” Our noble Queen, pointed at Venus then at the dais. “You, here.” Venus opened then shut her mouth, brushed grass off herself and sulked up to the dais where she took her position next to Jupiter, who put a hand gently, but firmly on her shoulder.

Elaine cleared her throat and began. “My life has been cursed by a grudge, a grudge formed before I was ever born. My father was called away to war, and while he was gone, I was born. It was ever that as leader of men, my father excelled, but that his skills at math were exceptionally poor. He never believed I was truly his.”

Lips tightened, angry murmurs were heard.

“And, so, as I grew to womanhood, my father cursed me, that I would remain surrounded by fire, unreachable, unless my rescuer’s heart was pure, believing untruthfully that my mother had been unpure.” A sob escaped her.

“Even so, I had a suitor. He is a noble man and I would be married to him, but our, um…hearts are, not, um…all that pure, so…” Elaine cleared her throat and hurried on.

“Word came to us of the Morning Star of Crystal Tokyo, the Goddess of Love herself and we thought, surely she can grant us our love! So my lover went to invite her.” Elaine wouldn’t meet Venus’s angry gaze as she continued. “We may have exaggerated some in the letter.”

“And so it was that Venus herself came to my help, or so we thought, but the first thing she did was beat my dearest up. I watched from the window, but could do nothing. I waited for the Senshi, not even daring to hope that I could at last be rescued.

“I watched tirelessly, waiting for the glowing light of hope that I had been told was Venus. Instead, this…woman showed up at the gate of my house and beat up my boyfriend! When she stood just inside my room and insisted that her skin would blister if she came too close, I lunged at her.”

Venus brushed at her uniform lightly, as if some unseen ash needed to be removed. “But you have to admit, that did get you out.”

Elaine gaped openly, “I…you…”

Venus smiled brightly at the other woman, “It was my plan from the very beginning.”

“Your plan?”

“Yes! I knew you could free yourself if only you had a pure motive. So I gave you one!”

Closing her eyes, Elaine shook her head slightly. “You gave me…a pure motive.”

“Sure!” Venus lifted her hand towards the girl, “You really, really wanted to get out, didn’t you?” She looked around in triumph at the crowd, the dais and, last her Queen, whose smile one might have described as “rigorous,” if one meant in the vein of “rigor mortis.”

The crowd was silent, waiting for the Queen’s response. Tension hung heavily over the crowd, as Queen Serenity passed a hand over face. She took a deep breath. “Well, that certainly was a…story,” She managed. “Let’s just eat.”